Body of murdered holidaymaker returns to UK

The body of a British holidaymaker who was murdered together with a fellow tourist in Thailand has returned to the UK, her family said.

Hannah Witheridge, 23, was found with severe head wounds next to David Miller, 24, on a beach on the island of Koh Tao on Monday.

Her family said yesterday they had travelled to Bangkok on Tuesday to bring their “beloved Hannah” home and find out more about the investigation.

In a statement, they said: “We can confirm we have now returned to the UK with our beautiful Hannah.

“As a family we feel enormous relief to have Hannah back at home where she belongs.

“We continue to work closely with officers to assist in the investigation and bring those responsible to justice.

“Our family is broken and require time to grieve in private — as do Hannah’s many friends. With the support of our fantastic family liaison officers we will make further statements as required and when we feel able.

“We would be very grateful for time and privacy to try and come to terms with our devastating news.” Meanwhile, police in Thailand said they are investigating new evidence suggesting the murders may have been due to “sexual jealousy”.

A spokesman for the Royal Thai Police said the force was also looking into claims that the pair had a row with a Thai man in a bar before they were killed.

Police Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen said: “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.

“We have asked the Metropolitan Police to make enquiries of Hannah’s friends on this matter. The liaison officer here in Bangkok is working on getting that statement.