The naked bodies of two British tourists who had apparently been attacked with a hoe have been found on a beach in Thailand.
The pair were found with head wounds on Koh Tao, an island in Surat Thani province known for its diving sites and beaches.
The victims’ clothes and a hoe with blood stains were found nearby, according to Colonel Prachum Ruangthong from Thailand’s police force.
Police suspect the victims – a 23-year-old woman from Norfolk and 24-year-old man from the Channel Islands – were killed with the hoe, leaving deep wounds on their heads, Sky News reported.
The pair had been staying in a bungalow 100m from where their bodies were found on Sai Ree beach and had been at a party there on Sunday night, according to Sky sources.
Police are reported to have cordoned off the beach and shut down ferry routes to and from the mainland.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the dead woman was from Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, while the man was from Jersey, in the Channel Islands.
The FCO has also sent a representative to the island to assist with the investigation.
The Tourist Authority of Thailand (TAT) said it understood the incident was isolated.
“We have limited details on the circumstances at this time and are waiting for further information… Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends affected by the news”, said the Authority.
“We understand this to be an isolated incident and very much out of character for an island which is much loved for it’s quaint atmosphere.”
Restrictions have been put in place to prevent anyone leaving the island and an investigation is underway, it confirmed.
“This may have an impact on tourists travel plans so we suggest they contact their travel agent, tour operator or chosen hotel for further advice”, TAT added.