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Thai police question British man over beach murders

Thai police have questioned a British man in connection with the murder of UK tourists Hannah Wit...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.02 17 Sep 2014


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Thai police question British m...

Thai police question British man over beach murders

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.02 17 Sep 2014


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Thai police have questioned a British man in connection with the murder of UK tourists Hannah Witheridge and David Miller.

The man has been asked by Thai police to stay in Thailand while they carry out a DNA test and await the results.

Police Colonel Kissana, deputy Thai police spokesman, said the Briton had not been arrested but was questioned earlier today.

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"Once we receive the physical examination report, including a DNA test, we will be able to determine if he was involved in the incident," the police officer said.

The semi-naked bodies of David Miller (24) and Hannah Witheridge (23) were discovered on a beach early on Monday.

Police said the pair sustained horrific injuries, with both suffering deep wounds to the head and face. A bloodstained garden hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby.

Reporter Jonathan Samuels, on Koh Tao, said it was understood the Briton being quizzed was a friend of Mr Miller's.

Despite the development the police focus remains on tracing a "prime suspect" captured on grainy CCTV footage, shortly after the murders.

It shows what appears to be a topless Asian man who officers say was acting suspiciously as he left a beach party near the murder scene.

He is captured running past the security camera at 3:44am and is seen again an hour later walking down the same street.

In another image, Mr Miller, from Jersey, and Ms Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, are seen walking hand-in-hand after leaving a bar at around 1am.

It was taken hours before their bodies were discovered semi-naked on Sairee beach.

Samuels said: "The head of the police told me he is convinced that whoever is responsible for this horrific attack is still on the island."

More than 70 Thai police have been questioning migrant workers and tourists on the island, visiting hotels, bars, homes and businesses.

A spokesman for the British Embassy in Bangkok released a statement yesterday saying they had no information to suggest any British national is a suspect.

They confirmed that was still the case today, adding: "The investigation is a matter for the Thai authorities."

The families of both victims have paid tribute to them.

Ms Witheridge was described by her family as "a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her".

Mr Miller was a "hard-working, bright and conscientious" young man who would be "sorely, sorely missed", his family said.

British consular officials from the Thai capital Bangkok have travelled to the island to liaise with local officials.


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