POLICE were yesterday continuing with searches at a farm and a Bath city centre shop in the hope of finding clues to help solve the disappearance of 25-year-old Melanie Hall.

Officers searched farmland and buildings at Beaufort Farm, Inglesbatch, about five miles south of Bath, and underground vaults at the Bath Women's Aid shop, just yards from Cadillacs in Walcot Street, where Melanie was last seen.

The searches are thought to have been prompted by new information, which led to two arrests on Wednesday.

Detective Superintendent Barrie Douglas, who is leading the inquiry, said: "The new information we have been given is very sensitive. It is vital the work we do as a result of this is thorough, methodical and professional without compromising the overall investigation.

An incident room has been set up at Kingswood in Bristol and 40 officers are working on the case.

Det Supt Douglas said: "We are acting as quickly as we can with the information given, but this must be balanced with the fact that two men are currently in custody.

"It is still far too early to know whether this will lead to the truth about Melanie's disappearance or the discovery of her body."

Since Melanie disappeared the case has been linked to other cases in the area, but police say they are now looking at the case in isolation.

Det Supt Douglas said: "This is being looked at solely as the Melanie Hall inquiry."