THE family of Essex University student Hannah Witheridge, who was brutally murdered in Thailand, have returned to the UK with her body.

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

Post-mortem examinations revealed Miss Witheridge, from Great Yarmouth, died from head wounds while Mr Miller, from Jersey, died from severe blows to the head and drowning.

In a statement, Miss Witheridge's family said: "We can confirm that 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."

Police in Thailand say they are investigating new evidence suggesting the murders may have been due to "sexual jealousy".

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

Police Colonel Kissana Phathanacharoen said: "No lines of inquiry can be ruled out and we believe these crimes could have been motivated by sexual jealousy.

"Police have been made aware of reports that Hannah and David had a fight in a bar with a Thai man before they were killed, but cannot confirm if they are true."

Thai police are offering a cash reward worth about £4,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.