Thai island murder investigation continues

The investigation continues into the murders of two British tourists on the Thai island of Koh Tao.

Police in Thailand say they have still not formally identified any suspects in the murder of Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Great Yarmouth, and 24-year-old David Miller from Jersey, who were found on a beach in the early hours of Monday morning.

According to BBC reports, police are now seeking a group of men who were heard singing ‘Western pop songs’ near the crime scene.

Two British men, brothers Christopher and James Ware who were friends of the deceased, were questioned earlier but police said there was no evidence linking them to the murder.

The two have been asked to stay in Thailand to help with the inquiry.

They were stopped at Bangkok International Airport as they prepared to leave the country.

Forensic tests carried out on Ms Witheridge’s body found traces of semen from two different men, but neither matched DNA from the brothers or Mr Miller.

Police said blood stains had been found on the clothes of some of the 11 Burmese migrants who were also being questioned.

Post-mortem examinations showed Ms Witheridge died from head wounds and Mr Miller from severe blows to the head and drowning. He also had wounds on his hands, which suggests a struggle had taken place.

According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the island has been on lockdown since the murders were discovered, but the BBC said restrictions were not put in place straight away and people have been allowed to leave. It also said the crime scene wasn’t sealed off immediately so evidence could have been tampered with.

A TAT spokeswoman said: "We understand this to be an isolated incident and is very much out of character for an island which is much loved for its quaint atmosphere.

"Local authorities have begun a thorough investigation and have put restrictions in place for the time being to prevent anyone leaving the island.

"This may have an impact on tourists’ travel plans so we suggest they contact their travel agent, tour operator or chosen hotel for further advice if they are currently on, or are due to travel, to the island in the next few days.’¨

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends affected by the news."

It is believed that Hannah and David did not know each other when they first arrived in Koh Tao separately at the end of August but could have become friends later on.

They met while staying at the same hotel, where they also become friends with a third British traveller, and all three arranged to go out together on Sunday night, according to the local officers.

The bodies of the pair were found hacked to death, hidden behind rocks, and a blood stained hoe was found nearby.

TAT said that while Koh Tao was not on the main tourist trail, it was popular with backpackers and those with a keen interest in snorkelling and diving.

It added: "Koh Tao, and other beach and island destinations across Thailand, remain safe for tourists to travel to.

Hannah’s father, Tony Witheridge, runs Carefree Holidays, which runs self-catering parks in Hemsby, Newport and Winterton on Sea near Great Yarmouth and the Norfolk Broads.