A Thai court has released on bail a policeman accused of gunning down a young British couple two months ago, sparking fears that he might try to intimidate witnesses, a prosecuting lawyer said today.

The Thai policeman wanted for the murder of two British backpackers remains “in hiding” today, police said.

A British woman killed in Thailand was mown down by a car and dragged for 20 yards after trying to stop a gunman – believed to be a policeman – who shot her boyfriend dead, it was revealed today.