Trimley St Mary – Arrest made in connection with Victoria Hall murder inquiry

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Published: 16:15 07/12/2023

Police investigating the unsolved murder of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary - which happened over 24 years ago – have re-arrested a suspect in connection with the inquiry.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

Victoria left home on the evening of Saturday 18 September 1999 to go for a night out with a friend at the Bandbox nightclub in Bent Hill, Felixstowe, where they remained until around 1am on the morning of Sunday 19 September.

They then went to get some food at the Bodrum Grill in Undercliff Road West, before beginning the walk back to Trimley St Mary. They parted at around 2.20am near to the junction of High Road and Faulkeners Way. Victoria was just yards away from her home.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

Five days later, on Friday 24 September, Victoria’s naked body was found in a ditch beside a field by a dog walker in Creeting Lane, Creeting St Peter, approximately 25 miles away from where she was last seen.

In September 2019, Suffolk Police revealed that the case – known as Operation Avon - was now a live inquiry again and being fully reinvestigated by a new team of detectives, after fresh information had been received that was not previously known.

On 28 July 2021, police arrested a man on suspicion of murder in connection with the investigation and he was subsequently released under investigation after being questioned by detectives. This individual was not someone who had previously been arrested as part of this inquiry.

Yesterday, Wednesday 6 December, the same man was re-arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody for questioning, before being released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about Victoria’s death is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, via either the online portal or by telephone, as detailed below:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO2
Phone – call the incident room direct on 01473 613513

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 18 September 2023

A dedicated team of detectives and police staff remain committed to the investigation into the murder of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary, as the 24^th anniversary of the crime is marked tomorrow.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

The dedicated inquiry team remains in place, comprised of 17 officers and police staff who are working full time on the case. They are continuing to make excellent progress in what is a lengthy and methodical process.

A man who was arrested on suspicion of murder on 28 July 2021 and taken into police custody for questioning, remains under investigation.

Following the retirement of the previous Senior Investigating Officer (SIO), another senior murder detective - who had been a Deputy SIO for Operation Avon - has now taken over the leadership of the inquiry.

Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Connick, the new Senior Investigating Officer, said: “I have been working on this case for the past three years, so am fully embedded in the inquiry and have been able to seamlessly pick-up the baton from my predecessors who had made significant inroads already. We remain fully committed to this inquiry; the work being undertaken is extremely time consuming but absolutely necessary.

“The anniversary date of Victoria’s disappearance is always a time of reflection for us, as well as Victoria’s family and friends. We never lose sight of the young life ended so needlessly at the centre of everything we are doing.

“We continue to be grateful for the support and patience of Victoria’s family and we ensure they are provided with regular updates as to the progress we are making. They understand the vital lengths that we need to take to achieve the end goal for us all - which is to achieve justice for Victoria.

“I would like to renew our appeal to anyone with information about Victoria’s murder who has not yet come forward, to do the right thing and contact us. If you have any information - no matter how insignificant this may seem - we want to hear from you. It is never too late.”

Anyone with information about Victoria’s murder is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, via either the online portal or by telephone as detailed below:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO2
Phone – call the incident room direct on 01473 782059 and quote Operation Avon

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 16 September 2022

Monday next week will mark the 23^rd anniversary of the disappearance of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary, as a dedicated team of detectives and police staff continue to investigate her murder.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

The inquiry team is now comprised of 25 dedicated officers and police staff who are working full time on the case and are continuing to make significant progress.

A man who was arrested on suspicion of murder on 28 July 2021 and taken into police custody for questioning remains under investigation.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Smith, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Victoria has been at the forefront of our minds throughout this new inquiry, but the anniversary date of her disappearance is a particularly significant time – one when we can all pause and reflect on a young life ended so brutally.

“Our dedicated inquiry team are continuing to work extremely hard and we are making good progress. This is complex and methodical work which takes time, but it is absolutely necessary.

“Victoria’s family continue to be patient with us and offer their full support, which we are extremely grateful for. Their dignity is truly humbling and we are determined to do everything we can to obtain justice for them.

“Once again, I would repeat my appeal to anyone with information about Victoria’s murder who has not yet come forward, to do the right thing and contact us.

“Despite the progress we have made, we still need anyone who knows anything about this crime to contact us. If you have any information - no matter how insignificant this may seem - we want to hear from you.”

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about Victoria’s murder to contact the Major Investigation Team, via either the online portal or by telephone as detailed below:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO2
Phone – call the incident room direct on 01473 782059 and quote Operation Avon

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 26 July 2022

A dedicated team of detectives and police staff are continuing to make significant progress with the ongoing investigation into the unsolved murder of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary in 1999.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

This work resulted in the arrest of a man on suspicion of murder almost one year ago, on Wednesday 28 July 2021. He was taken into police custody for questioning and was subsequently released under investigation and this continues to be his status. He is not someone who had previously been arrested as part of this inquiry.

The scale of the investigation team has grown over the past three years, with 25 dedicated officers and police staff now working full time on the case.

As part of this re-investigation, the Operation Avon team have taken statements from over 500 witnesses, reviewed over 43,000 documents and 9,000 exhibits and viewed more than 3,500 hours of CCTV footage.

Victoria’s family continue to be regularly updated regarding the investigation and are being supported by family liaison officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Smith, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “The investigation into the tragic murder of 17-year-old Victoria Hall in 1999 remains a high priority for Suffolk Constabulary. The inquiry team are totally committed to bringing the person or persons responsible for her dreadful murder to justice.

“This is a challenging and complex case which has amassed extremely high volumes of information and evidence over the preceding 23 years. There are now 25 staff working on this investigation full time and as a consequence we are making good progress. This is demonstrated by the hundreds of witnesses that have been spoken to; the tens of thousands of documents and exhibits that have been reviewed; and the thousands of hours of CCTV footage that has been viewed.

“We are in frequent contact with Victoria’s family to keep them updated as to our progress and as ever are truly grateful for their patience and for the support they provide our investigation. They are an amazing family.

“It will be 23 years in September since Victoria was murdered and we will continue to pursue all new lines of enquiry. I once again urge anyone with information that could assist us to come forward, it is never too late.”

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about Victoria’s murder to contact the Major Investigation Team via either the online portal, or by telephone, as detailed below:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO2
Phone – call the incident room direct on 01473 782059 and quote Operation Avon

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 17 September 2021

This weekend will mark the 22nd anniversary of the disappearance of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary, as the investigation into her murder continues.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

Earlier this summer, on Wednesday 28 July, officers arrested a man on suspicion of murder. He was taken into police custody for questioning by detectives and remains under investigation, pending further enquiries. This individual was not someone who had previously been arrested as part of the inquiry.

A dedicated team of officers is continuing with the investigation, which involves pursuing several lines of enquiry, including the review of all material gathered since 1999, as well as exploring new opportunities to secure evidence upon which to progress this tragic case.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Smith, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “As the anniversary of Victoria’s disappearance approaches this weekend, our thoughts will very much be with her family.

“We are genuinely humbled by what an amazing family the Halls are and our investigation team is absolutely committed to ending their long wait for justice.

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with information about Victoria’s murder who has not yet come forward, to do the right thing and contact us.

“Our investigation has made significant progress, but we need the public’s support and assistance. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant this may seem, we want to hear from you.”

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about Victoria’s murder to contact the Major Investigation Team, via either the online portal or by telephone as detailed below:

- Major Incident Public Reporting Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO2

- Phone – call the incident room direct on 01473 782059 and quote Operation Avon

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 29 July 2021

The inquiry into the unsolved murder of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary in 1999 continues, as a man arrested in connection with the case remains under investigation.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

As a result of the work that has been ongoing for the past two years, officers arrested a man on suspicion of murder yesterday morning, Wednesday 28 July.

He was taken into police custody for questioning and has now been released under investigation, pending further enquiries. This individual is not someone who had previously been arrested as part of this inquiry.

Victoria’s family continue to be regularly updated regarding the investigation and are being supported by specialist trained officers.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about Victoria’s death to contact the Major Investigation Team, via either the online portal or by telephone as detailed below:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO2
Phone – call the incident room direct on 01473 782059 and quote Operation Avon

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 28 July 2021

Police investigating the unsolved murder of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary - which took place over 20 years ago - have made an arrest as part of the inquiry.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

As a result of the work that has been ongoing for the past two years, officers have arrested a man on suspicion of murder this morning, Wednesday 28 July.

He has been taken into police custody where he currently remains for questioning. This individual is not someone who has previously been arrested as part of this inquiry.

Detectives continue to ask for anyone with information about Victoria’s death to contact the Major Investigation Team, via either the online portal or by telephone as detailed below:

Major Incident Public Reporting Portal – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO2
Phone – call the incident room direct on either: 0800 092 0410 or 0207 158 0124. (These lines will be open until 10pm tomorrow, Thursday 29 July. Thereafter, please use 01473 782059 and quote Operation Avon)

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 17 September 2020

The investigation into the unsolved murder of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary is continuing, as the 21st anniversary of her disappearance approaches this weekend.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive in the early hours of Sunday 19 September 1999, in High Road, Trimley St Mary.

In September last year, Suffolk Police revealed that the case – known as Operation Avon - was now a live inquiry again and being fully reinvestigated by a new team of detectives, after fresh information had been received that was not previously known.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

Since the investigation became live again last year, the inquiry team have made significant progress and undertaken a huge amount of work.

90 calls or messages have been received from members of the public following the renewed appeal and many of these have helped piece together information and create new lines of enquiry.

All forensic opportunities are being exhausted, following a thorough review of the 3,000 exhibits that exist within the investigation. Detectives from the Major Investigation Team have worked closely with experts from the National Crime Agency, who are providing support to the investigation.

The movements of over 70 individuals on the night in question have already been assessed in great detail, by reviewing a total of over 9,000 statements, documents, messages and reports from the original investigation.

Officers are also continuing to work through over 1,200 links to people and vehicles and are making a specific appeal to hear from anybody who was either walking or driving in Trimley St Mary, between 2am and 4am on Sunday 19 September 1999, to make contact and provide their details, as this information will help to fill any gaps and greatly assist the inquiry.

Detective Chief Superintendent Eamonn Bridger, Head of Crime, said: “Despite the passage of 21 years since Victoria was so cruelly torn away from her family, we remain positive and determined to find a breakthrough in this case and to deliver justice for them.

“When the reinvestigation into the abduction and murder of Victoria was launched last year, a dedicated Operation Avon team was set-up to pursue new lines of enquiry and to identify fresh opportunities from the original investigation.

“The work undertaken so far has been vast and the team – with the assistance of numerous other colleagues - have made significant inroads. There is still much to do and we remain fully committed to completing this.

“Officers have remained in contact with Victoria’s family throughout this process, providing them with continued support and keeping them updated as to the progress of the investigation.

“Everyone was encouraged by the support we received from members of the public last year and we are grateful to all the people who contacted us with information.

“We still believe there are people out there who will know something very significant about this case, but have still as yet not told us. It is never too late to come forward and we are ready to take their call.

“We know allegiances can change over the years and someone who may have been compelled to keep a secret to protect another person may no longer feel the same obligation.

“Any information we are given will be treated with the utmost confidence. Please help us to solve this shocking crime and provide Victoria’s family the answers they deserve.”

Victoria’s clothing and personal belongings that she had about her person the last time she was seen alive have never been found.

Images of the dress, jacket, shoes and a wooden hair slider that Victoria was wearing the last time she was seen, are again being issued and can be viewed in the gallery below.

For the first time last year, details about some of Victoria’s personal belongings were disclosed as follows:

- a black oval shaped New Look purse with a zip fastener, containing a house key on a distinctive fob with ‘Vicky’ across the top and ‘Victoria’ down the sides

- a Rimmel lipstick in a black plastic case, the colour of which is believed to have been ‘Zorro’

- the inner soles of one or both of Victoria’s shoes had been fixed with Sellotape.

Also as part of last year’s appeal, CCTV footage was released of individuals at the field in Creeting St Peter where Victoria’s body was found, which was captured during the month following her death.

A number of the calls received into the inquiry team related to this footage and the information provided has been taken into consideration as part of the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information should contact the Major Investigation Team, either via the online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO1 or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Avon.

Alternatively, contact the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 26 September 2019

Detectives are extremely pleased with the initial response from members of the public, following the renewed appeal into the 20-year-old unsolved murder of a teenage girl from Trimley St Mary, with dozens of calls having been received by the investigation team.

Victoria Hall, aged 17, was last seen alive at around 2.20am on Sunday 19 September 1999, near to the junction of High Road and Faulkeners Way in Trimley St Mary. She was just yards away from home.

Victoria and a friend had spent the night at the Bandbox nightclub in Bent Hill, Felixstowe, leaving at around 1am. They then went get some food at the Bodrum Grill in Undercliff Road West, before beginning the walk home.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up that morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

Last week, upon the 20^th anniversary of Victoria’s disappearance, Suffolk Police revealed that the investigation into her murder – known as Operation Avon - was now a live inquiry again and being fully reinvestigated by a new team of officers, after fresh information had been received that was not previously known.

Detectives also released additional details regarding Victoria’s belongings that she had about her person the last time she was seen alive, along with CCTV footage captured during the month following her death of individuals at the field in Creeting St Peter where her body was found.

Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Millar, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “I have been delighted with the response from members of the public since we revealed that Victoria’s murder was being reinvestigated.

“In the week since we launched the appeal we have received over 50 calls, many of which have provided us with further new lines of enquiry.

“These are now being actively pursued, alongside the other information we had already received, and other evidence we are uncovering as we methodically review all the existing files and material.

“This was a high-profile case at the time and the fact that people are still coming forward with new information after the passage of 20 years, is great news for the investigation and Victoria’s family.

“We would like to thank everyone for their continued support and urge anyone who may have information and has not yet be in touch, to contact us without further delay.”`

Last week Suffolk Police reissued images of the dress, jacket & shoes that Victoria was wearing the last time she was seen and also a wooden hair slider that had not previously been released. These can all be seen in the gallery below.

Additionally, detectives revealed further details regarding the belongings Victoria had on her that night, which are as follows:

a black oval shaped New Look purse with a zip fastener, containing a house key on a distinctive fob with ‘Vicky’ across the top and ‘Victoria’ down the sides
a Rimmel lipstick in a black plastic case, the colour of which is believed to have been ‘Zorro’
the inner soles of one or both of Victoria’s shoes had been fixed with Sellotape.

CCTV footage was also issued which had not been previously been released. This was captured at the entrance to the field in Creeting St Peter the month after Victoria’s body was found, during October 1999.

The first clip shows a van stopping at the field entrance, before reversing and then driving forward to the entrance again and stopping, at which point the driver gets out and enters the field, appearing to look around at the ground near the entrance point.

The second clip shows a group of people with torches going into the field area under the cover of darkness.

Anyone with information should contact the Major Investigation Team, either via our online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO1 or by calling the Incident Room direct on: 01473 613513 and quoting Operation Avon.

Alternatively, contact the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Previous release | 19 September 2019

Today marks the 20^th anniversary of the disappearance of a 17-year-old girl from Trimley St Mary, as Suffolk Police reveal that the investigation into her murder has been reopened.

Victoria Hall left home on the evening of Saturday 18 September 1999 to go for a night out with a friend at the Bandbox nightclub in Bent Hill, Felixstowe.

The girls left the club at around 1am the following morning, Sunday 19 September, and stopped to get some food at the Bodrum Grill in Undercliff Road West, which is on the roundabout junction with Garrison Lane.

They then began walking home to Trimley St Mary, parting at around 2.20am on High Road, near to the junction of Faulkeners Way. Victoria was just yards away from home. This was the last time she was seen alive.

When Victoria’s parents woke-up the next morning and discovered that she had not returned home, the police were called and a missing person inquiry commenced.

A murder inquiry was then launched under Operation Avon, which at the time was one of the largest investigations ever undertaken by Suffolk Constabulary. Despite this, and after the passage of 20 years, Victoria’s killer has still not been brought to justice.

Operation Avon is a now a live investigation again being run by a new team, after receiving fresh information not previously known in the inquiry and new lines of enquiry are actively being pursued.

Suffolk Police are again issuing images of the dress, jacket & shoes that Victoria was wearing the last time she was seen and also a wooden hair slider that has not previously been released. These can all be seen in the gallery below.

Additionally, detectives can reveal for the first time further details regarding the belongings Victoria had on her that night, which are as follows:

a black oval shaped New Look purse with a zip fastener, containing a house key on a distinctive fob with ‘Vicky’ across the top and ‘Victoria’ down the sides
a Rimmel lipstick in a black plastic case, the colour of which was ‘Zorro’
the inner soles of one or both of Victoria’s shoes had been fixed with Sellotape.

CCTV footage is also being issued which has not been previously released. This was captured at the entrance to the field in Creeting St Peter the month after Victoria’s body was found, during October 1999.

The second clip shows a group of people with torches going into the field area under the cover of darkness.

Detective Chief Inspector Caroline Millar, the Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Suffolk Police has not given up - and will never give up - on catching the person or persons responsible for Victoria’s murder.

“New information and lines of enquiry that were not previously known to us are being actively pursued by the Major Investigation Team, renewing hope that Victoria’s killer will be caught.

“By reissuing the images of Victoria’s clothing and providing the additional information about some of her other belongings, I am hopeful that this may jog someone’s memory who could have seen them deposited somewhere.

“I am also extremely keen to trace the people in the CCTV images at the field in Creeting St Peter – I would really like to know who they are and what they were doing there.

“If you provided information in the original inquiry, think back and come forward if there is more you can tell us, or if you did not come forward at the time with information you had, now is the time to do so.

“This was an horrific crime committed against a girl who was two weeks away from celebrating her 18^th birthday. Victoria’s adult life was just about to begin when she was torn away from her loving family, who have now been without her for a longer time than they had her – no one should have to experience the pain that they have.

“We now have another opportunity to obtain justice for Victoria and her family. The killer has lived with their guilt for the past 20 years and fresh information could make a significant difference to helping us solve this murder. It is never too late to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact the Major Investigation Team by calling: 01473 613513, or via our online portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/3637020112A02-PO1

Alternatively, contact the charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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Trimley St Mary – Arrest made in connection with Victoria Hall murder inquiry

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