Thailand beach murders: Forensic examination suggests David Miller may have drowned trying to fight off attacker

Preliminary forensic tests carried out on the two British tourists who were brutally murdered in Koh Tao, Thailand, have suggested one of the victims may have died from drowning.

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by Closer staff |
Published on

David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found with horrific injuries on Monday but now it’s been claimed that David may have drowned while trying to fight off the attacker.

The tests confirm that Hannah died from severe head wounds, while David – who also suffered head injuries – also had injuries to his hand and water in his lungs.

David and Hannah were captured on CCTV leaving a bar
David and Hannah were captured on CCTV leaving a bar

“The female victim suffered cuts to her head... while the male was beaten on the head... but water found in his lungs suggests he may have died from drowning,” Maj Gen Pornchai Suteerakune, Thailand’s chief police forensics officer, told reporters.

“The results are expected within 24 hours so everything will become clear tomorrow.”

READ: BRITISH COUPLE BATTERED TO DEATH IN THAILAND

Earlier today it was revealed police were speaking with a British man over their deaths, but stated he had not been arrested. The individual has not been named but he is believed to be a friend of David’s.

Police now have 23 hours to question him.

A migrant worker seen in the CCTV footage is also being questioned

A second man in Mr Miller’s group was also detained after he was found with injuries to his hands, but he was released after providing what police described as a ‘satisfactory explanation’.

READ: HOW TO DEAL WITH GRIEF

As police continue to question migrant workers and tourists on the island, the families of both victims have paid tribute to them.

Miss Witheridge was described by her family as "a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her", while Mr Miller was a "hard-working, bright and conscientious" young man who would be "sorely, sorely missed".

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