Police today said they were close to making an arrest in connection with the murders of two British tourists on a Thai holiday island.
Officers investigating the deaths of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, are trying to trace a man who left Koh Tao the day their bodies were found. He is believed to be in the capital Bangkok. Police think at least three men were involved in the attack.
Miss Witheridge, of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and Mr Miller, of Jersey, were discovered with severe head wounds on a beach on September 15.
A heavy garden hoe and a piece of wood have been identified as the murder weapons.
More than 100 officers involved in the investigation have been collecting evidence and taking DNA samples from people working on the island.
Post mortem examinations revealed Ms Witheridge died of head wounds, while Mr Miller was killed by severe blows to the head and drowning.
About 150 officers have been posted to the island. Police have now questioned the owner of the bar where Mr Miller and Miss Witheridge were reported to have been involved in an argument shortly before they were murdered. The owner’s brother, who has been identified as a man seen running on CCTV pictures taken near the crime scene, was also questioned for three hours.
Both men gave DNA samples but have not been charged. Thai police say they are now searching for another man, connected to the family, who fled to Bangkok shortly after the crime.
Mr Miller’s father Ian said this week that he believes his son had stepped in to help Miss Witheridge during an altercation.
He added: “It has become clearer and clearer that it is quite likely David was stepping in to help a girl who was in trouble.”
A reward of £4,000 has been offered for information leading to arrests.
