Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were captured leaving a party around 1am - hours later they were found bludgeoned to death on the paradise island of Koh Tao
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This is the last image of British backpackers hand in hand, hours before they were found bludgeoned to death on a Thai beach.
The bodies of Hannah Witheridge, 23, and David Miller, 24, were discovered in the early hours of yesterday morning on the paradise island of Koh Tao.
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Detectives later discovered a garden hoe, soaked in blood, which is thought to be the murder weapon. It had been dumped nearby.
Thai police have released an image of Hannah and David, walking hand in hand as they left a party at around 1am.
Their bodies were found by cleaners on the beach at around 6.30am.
More than 70 Thai police officers are working on the case as the country's leaders called for a swift investigation into the brutal murders that marked a new blow to Thailand's tourism industry.
Another image has also been released of a man said to be the prime suspect.
The man - of Asian appearance -was caught on CCTV acting suspicious near the crime scene.
He was seen walking up and down outside a business premises near the beach at around 5am.
However, police continue to follow several leads.
Another British man, said to have been travelling with David, is also being sought in connection with the case.
David and Hannah travelled to Koh Tao with friends and met each other on the island while staying in neighbouring rooms at Ocean View Bungalows, said police spokesman Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang.
Scene: The idyllic beach on Koh Tao where the bodies were found
'They went out to a bar and left together after 1am (Monday), according to closed circuit TV camera footage,' he said.
Police have conducted a sweep of hotels and workers' residences for clues.
'This should not have happened in Thailand. It will affect our image in the eyes of international countries,' said Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha.
Defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan said police were working 'to make an arrest as soon as possible'.
'We are focusing on migrant workers because of the surrounding witnesses and evidence, including the video footage,' Major General Kiattipong said.
'We are sweeping hotels, bars, businesses and residences of migrant workers on the beach to find the suspect.'
Another police official, Colonel Prachum Ruangthong, said investigators were also looking for a group of bar employees and had questioned a group of foreigners as well.
'This morning we surrounded three locations, including the residences of migrant workers, to search and collect DNA,' he said.
Last night, about 100 local residents gathered on Sairee Beach for a candlelit vigil and said prayers for the young British couple close to the spot where their bodies were found.
The bodies of Ms Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and Mr Miller, from Jersey, Channel Islands, were being sent today to forensic police in Bangkok.
The attack came amid government efforts to revive Thailand's tourism industry after a military coup in May ended prolonged, sometimes violent political protests. Martial law remains in effect in many parts of Thailand.
Koh Tao, which is about 250 miles south of Bangkok, is known as a quiet, small and scenic island.
It is a short boat ride from the better-known resort islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, the latter known for its raucous 'full moon' parties that attract young travellers from Thailand and abroad.
Posted by Unknown on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 - Rating: 4.5
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