SEVEN years have passed since Bradford on Avon woman Melanie Hall disappeared from a Bath nightclub but police have drawn a blank in their latest high-profile inquiry.

Detectives and Melanie's parents now fear they may never discover what happened to the 25-year-old woman who was last seen leaving Cadillacs nightclub on June 8, 1996.

Two men arrested in March in connection with her disappearance were released last week without charge.

The men, both in their 30's and from the Bath area were arrested and questioned after a tip off from a member of the public.

Melanie's parents, who live in Bradford Leigh, insist their daughter would not have vanished of her own free will and believe someone must know where her body has been hidden.

Mr Hall, 59, said: "I think she probably left the club and got into a car and something went horribly wrong.

"Someone had the presence of mind then to hide her so well that we have never found her.

"The worry is that since seven years have passed we may never find her.

"I am 60 next year, and time is passing so we have to hope we will find her soon.

"Maybe someone will have a falling out with a loved one after all this time, and will realise they should come forward."

The tip-off to Bath detectives sparked a surge in police activity as 40 officers were assigned to Operation Raphael.

Forensic teams spent two weeks searching farms in the quiet village of Inglesbatch for clues.

Det Chief Insp Barrie Douglas, who headed up the investigation, said: "This has been a difficult inquiry because of the length of time since Melanie disappeared.

"This has affected the available forensic examinations of items and locations. The memories of potential witnesses have also faded with time.

"However, as with all major investigations, the case is never closed and we will continue to strive to find out what happened to Melanie Hall."

For Steve and Pat Hall, drawing a blank in this latest line of investigation has proved the latest twist in a seven-year roller-coaster ride of emotion.

Mr Hall said: "We have a seven year routine now, and it feels like life is sweeping us along in a stream, and we are involved and yet do not have any control.

"We have to hope that one day we'll find her and we won't be just treading water any more."

Officers working on Operation Raphael are convinced someone holds the key to solving the long-running inquiry and have this week appealed to people to search their consciences.

Anyone with any information relevant to the Melanie Hall investigation should call Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Factfile

Avon and Somerset police spent £50,000 on Operation Raphael the latest investigation into the disappearance of Melanie Hall involving 40 officers.

A farm in the village of Inglesbatch and a charity shop in Walcot Street, Bath were searched for clues over a two-week period.

Hundreds of clubbers were interviewed at the time of Melanie's disappearance in 1996 and the River Avon has been one of several search points.

Melanie's boyfriend, Philip Kurlbaum, appeared on the BBC's Crimewatch programme in November 1996 to appeal for information into her disappearance.

Det Chief Insp Barrie Douglas is also working on the case of a body found on Exmoor in March 2002.