News Digest

Thailand police ‘close to arrest’ in Brit tourist murder case

Thai police have refused to comment on claims that an arrest is imminent over the murders of two Britons on the island of Koh Tao. David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found dead on Sairee beach on September 15. Both had suffered severe head injuries. Police are searching for the son of a former village headman who left the island a day after the pair’s bodies were found, according to reports. The man landed on the Surat Thani coast and then disappeared. He is believed to be in Bangkok, the Phuket Gazette reported.

We have discovered fresh evidence which could lead to a new suspect who may have had a relationship or one-night stand with Hannah or one of her friends or David the night before they were killed.

Police chief Kissana Phathanacharoen

Officers believe at least three men were involved in the attack on Mr Miller, from Jersey, and Miss Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. A bloodstained garden hoe found near their bodies is believed to have been the murder weapon. Post-mortem examinations revealed Ms Witheridge died from head wounds while Mr Miller suffered severe blows to the head and subsequently drowned. A spokesman for the Royal Thai Police on Monday said police were investigating reports that the pair had earlier argued with a Thai man in a bar.

It has become clearer and clearer that it is quite likely David was stepping in to help a girl who was in trouble.

Ian Miller, David’s father