Man arrested over 1984 murder of Melanie Road

A 63-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of killing the 17-year-old in Bath more than 30 years ago

Melanie Road was murdered when she was 17 after a night out with friends in Bath (Family picture/Avon and Somerset Police)

A 63-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a teenager that occurred in Bath more than 30 years ago.

17-year-old Melanie Road was sexually abused and stabbed in the chest and back multiple times, as she walked home after a night out with friends of 9 June, 1984.

Her body was discovered a few hours later by a milkman on his morning rounds and his 10-year-old son, near her home.

Last year, police began DNA testing hundreds of men who had been in the city at the time of Melanie's death, 30 years previously.

Now, a man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder. A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said the man is in custody, and added that it is inappropriate for them to comment further at this point.

On the 30th anniversary of her death last year, Melanie's mother Jean, sister Karen, and best friend Susie Lecomber spoke about the impact her death had had on them.

In an open letter appealing for people to come forward, her 80-year-old mother wrote: "We mourn for our daughter and sister Melanaie every minute, hour of the day and night."

Her sister added: "As much as this was 30 years ago, for me, it's every day and it never gets easier, and I can't move on."

"The pain remains as strong today as it did when Melanie died."