Thai Murders: 'Vibrant' Hannah Laid To Rest

The funeral of Hannah Witheridge, who was murdered on Koh Tao island, will take place today - after the two men accused of killing her reportedly retracted their confessions.

Police in Thailand say Burmese migrants Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun admitted murdering Miss Witheridge and another Briton David Miller, citing jealousy.

But a Burmese embassy official has been quoted in the Bangkok Post as saying the confessions had been "beaten out of them".

"They're pleading with the Burmese government to look into the case and find out the truth," the official told the paper.

The two men are charged with murder, rape and robbery.

Hundreds of mourners are expected to pay their respects as Miss Witherdige is laid to rest in Hemsby, Norfolk.

Her family issued a statement earlier this week describing the 23-year-old as a fun, vibrant, beautiful young woman who will be "sorely missed by all who knew her".

They added: "She was dedicated, ambitious and would have made an amazing difference to the lives of many families through her chosen career as a speech and language therapist.

"As a family we hope that the right people are found and brought to justice."

Miss Witheridge's body was found near that of Mr Miller's on a beach on Koh Tao on September 15. They had both been violently beaten and Miss Witheridge had been raped.

A garden hoe was used to strike the pair, and Mr Miller, 24, from Jersey, is also thought to have drowned after being left on the water line.

The Burmese men who stand accused of the murders were paraded in front of reporters last week in a re-enactment of the assault.