Thai police investigating the brutal murder of two British students on the paradise island of Koh Toa are believed to be hunting for a British backpacker who may have been befriended the pair.
The bodies of University of Essex postgraduate student Hannah Witheridge, 23, of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, were found close to a blood stained garden hoe, believed to be the murder weapon.
Investigating officer for the Thai Police Col Prachum Ruangthong, said: "The man was chopped in the back and on the side of his head, while the woman was chopped in her face. It's very gruesome."
Reports suggest that other locals and holiday maker blockaded the pier to stop the suspect escaping, but he is thought to have fled to Bangkok.
An initial investigation found that the pair had travelled separately to Koh Tao, where they met while staying at the same seaside hotel, police say.
Thai police chief Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang said officers were checking CCTV footage from nearby restaurants and hotels to piece together what had happened.
"They went out to a bar and left together after 1am, according to CCTV footage," said Maj Gen Khawsamang.
"We have talked to different witnesses who might lead us to some clues."
It was last night reported that police on the island, which is accessible only by boat and is visited by hundreds of backpackers each year, were searching for a British suspect, who is believed to have known with Mr Miller.
The suspect's name has been circulated to police but not given to the media.
