Following the horrific murder of two UK tourists on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, police attention has turned to a British man who has given a DNA sample and been asked to remain on the island while the results are awaited.
The tragic death of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller has shocked the world, not least because of Thailand’s popularity as a tourism destination. Their semi-naked bodies were discovered on a beach early on Monday, having suffered terrible injuries to the head and face, which are thought to have been inflicted by a garden hoe found nearby.
While the police await the results of this latest DNA test, they remain focused on what they term as a “prime suspect”. This Asian man was pictured on CCTV footage shortly after the murders. Police in Thailand have reacted quickly since the discovery of the victims’ bodies, carrying out a comprehensive investigation of the area’s many bars and restaurants. They also cordoned off the island, blocking the pier and suspending ferry routes to and from the mainland in an attempt to prevent anyone leaving in an effort to ensure that the killer has no choice but to remain until captured.
Meanwhile, the families of Hannah Witheridge and David Miller have been paying them tribute. Ms Witheridge’s family spoke about how she was a “beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her.”
Mr Miller was described as a “hard-working, bright and conscientious” young man by his family who also said that he would be “sorely, sorely missed.”
In Thailand, the hunt continues to track down their killers and bring them to justice.