Burmese group linked to murder of Leeds student in Thailand

Officers have also spoken to two British men about the deaths of Leeds student David Miller, 24, and 23-year-old Hannah Witheridge whose semi-naked bodies were discovered on a beach in Koh Tao on Monday.

Police Colonel Kissana, deputy Thai police spokesman, said: “We have detained six Burmese suspects who were around the scene of the crime.

“We have strong evidence that led us to the Burmese suspects as blood stains were found some of their clothes. DNA tests are being completed and we should hopefully have a report tomorrow.

“We also have two British suspects but they have not been detained. We cannot rule them out. They were close friends and knew all about the victims.

“We have got to do whatever it takes to obtain concrete evidence.”

Police said the two victims 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.

Major General Pornchai Sutheerakune, head of the Thai Institute of Forensic Medicine, said post-mortem examinations had shown Miss Witheridge died from head wounds while Mr Miller died from severe blows to the head and drowning.

Mr Miller also suffered wounds on his hand, indicating a struggle had taken place, police said.

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.

The families of both victims have paid tribute to them.

Mr 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.

“David was very giving to his family and friends and we all adored him. He will be sorely, sorely missed.”

Mr Miller was studying civil and structural engineering at Leeds University and was due to return shortly to complete the final year of his master’s degree.

He had left Jersey on July 18 to undertake a six-week work placement as part of a scholarship at a mining company in Australia before travelling on to Thailand for a break with a close friend.

He had been due to leave Thailand today, and was looking forward to spending more time travelling in south east Asia before returning to Leeds.

A University of Leeds spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with David’s family and friends, and our support services are in place to help any students and staff through this difficult time. David had just completed his third year of civil and structural engineering and was about to start the fourth year of the MEng course. He was an excellent student and clearly had a promising career ahead of him.”

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”, while Mr Miller was a “hard-working, bright and conscientious” young man who would be “sorely, sorely missed”.

In a statement, Ms 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.

“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.”

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.

He added: “The investigation is a matter for the Thai authorities.”

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

Fellow Leeds students have also paid tribute to Mr Miller. Writing on Facebook, Ben McAndrew wrote: “Thank you for being in my life, words cannot describe the loss to humanity, I know that you will never be forgotten, as this wall shows you made a positive impact on a lot of peoples lives and you will continue to do so in wonderful memories.”

Niamh Doherty, who also attended the university, wrote: “You were a hilarious friend to have always smiling cheekily and with a good story to tell.”

Phil Bridge added: “Still can’t believe this horrible news. You were a great individual that I had the pleasure of knowing.”

The family of Miss Witheridge have described her as “a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her”.