Police investigating the murders of two English backpackers in Thailand say DNA sampled from two British men held for questioning doesn't match up with the traces found on the deceased.
Officers also say DNA found on the body of University of Essex student Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Norfolk, doesn't match DNA found on 24-year-old David Miller.
The pair were found battered to death lying on a beach about 100 yards from a party spot on Koh Tao island in the early hours of Monday.
The two British men questioned have been named by media as brothers and childhood friends of David Miller – James and Christopher Ware.
Eleven Burmese people have also been questioned over the deaths, in an investigation which has roped in 70 officers.
Six of these Burmese people have been detained.
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."
Meanwhile, Thai premier General Prayuth Chan-O-Cha has admitted there are always safety problems when travelling his country.
In a speech broadcast live on Thai TV on Wednesday, he said: "There are always problems with tourist safety.
"They think our country is beautiful and is safe so they can do whatever they want, they can wear bikinis and walk everywhere. Can they be safe in bikini?"
