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Thailand murders: British man questioned – report Thailand murders: British man questioned – report
(35 minutes later)
A British man has been questioned in relation to the murders of two Britons found dead in Thailand, according to reports. A British man has been questioned in relation to the murders of two Britons found dead in Thailand.
The man has been asked by Thai police to stay in Koh Tao while they carried out a DNA test, Sky News said. The man is the backpacker initially sought by police following the murders early on Monday in Koh Tao, Police Colonel Kissana, deputy Thai police spokesman, said on Wednesday.
He has been subjected to a physical examination including a DNA test.
The semi-naked bodies of David Miller, 24, and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge were discovered on a beach early on Monday.The semi-naked bodies of David Miller, 24, and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge were discovered on a beach early on Monday.
Police said the pair had deep wounds to the head and face. A bloodstained garden hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby. 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.
Kissana said the man had not been arrested but was questioned earlier on Wednesday and asked to remain on the island while police await the results of the tests.
“Once we receive the physical examination report, including a DNA test, we will be able to determine if he was involved in the incident,” he said.
He added that six Burmese nationals arrested over the incident after raids on their accommodation on Tuesday remained in police custody and had also undergone DNA testing.
More than 70 Thai police have been questioning migrant workers and tourists on the island, visiting hotels, bars, homes and businesses as they search for the killer.More than 70 Thai police have been questioning migrant workers and tourists on the island, visiting hotels, bars, homes and businesses as they search for the killer.
A spokesman for the British Embassy in Bangkok, which released a statement yesterday saying they had no information to suggest any British national is a suspect in the investigation, confirmed that this is still the case. On Tuesday night they released still images from CCTV cameras in the area, one of which shows what they said were the two victims walking together hand-in-hand leaving a bar. A second showed an Asian-looking man they wish to speak to.
He added: “The investigation is a matter for the Thai authorities.” The families of both victims have paid tribute to them.
Initial reports suggested police were looking for a British backpacker, but officers later said they were focusing on migrant workers. Hannah Witheridge was described by her family as “a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her”, while David Miller was a “hard-working, bright and conscientious” young man who would be “sorely, sorely missed”.
British consular officials from the Thai capital Bangkok have travelled to the island to liaise with local officials. In a statement, Witheridge’s family said: “She was selfless and caring and made each and every day that little bit more wonderful.
The families of both victims have paid tribute to them. Hannah Witheridge was described by her family as “a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her”, while David Miller was a “hard-working, bright and conscientious” young man who would be “sorely, sorely missed”.
In a statement Hannah Witheridge’s family said: “She was selfless and caring and made each and every day that little bit more wonderful.
“Our family are utterly devastated and shocked by what has happened to our beautiful Hannah. To lose her in the way that we have is beyond comprehension.“Our family are utterly devastated and shocked by what has happened to our beautiful Hannah. To lose her in the way that we have is beyond comprehension.
“We are heartbroken and no words can possibly describe how we feel. As such, we would be extremely grateful to be left in peace while we come to terms with our loss.” Miller’s family said: “David was an artist by temperament, so talented. He had a creative eye that he carried with him through life and in his degree.
David Miller’s family said: “David was an artist by temperament, so talented. He had a creative eye that he carried with him through life and in his degree. “He was hard-working, bright and conscientious, with everything to look forward to.”
“He was hard-working, bright and conscientious, with everything to look forward to. David was very giving to his family and friends and we all adored him. He will be sorely, sorely missed.” A spokesman for the British embassy in Bangkok, which released a statement on Tuesday saying they had no information to suggest any British national was a suspect in the investigation, confirmed that this was still the case.
He added: “The investigation is a matter for the Thai authorities.”
British consular officials from the Thai capital have travelled to the island to liaise with local officials.