Investigations continue into 1999 Suffolk murder
A man remains under investigation
Last updated 29th Jul 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.
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.
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 (28 July).
He was taken into police custody for questioning and has now been released under investigation, pending further enquiries. Police say 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 on 01473 782059 and quote Operation Avon
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form.