THE family of a murdered Essex University student have paid tribute to a "beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman".

The bodies of Essex University student Hannah Witheridge, 23 and originally from Great Yarmouth, and David Miller, 24, from Jersey, were discovered semi-naked on a beach in the divers' paradise of Koh Tao on Monday.

A bloodstained hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby.

Ms Witheridge was described by her family as "a beautiful, intelligent, loving young woman who poured joy into the lives of all who knew her".

In a statement, Ms Witheridge's family said: "She was selfless and caring and made each and every day that little bit more wonderful.

"Our family are utterly devastated and shocked by what has happened to our beautiful Hannah. To lose her in the way that we have is beyond comprehension.

"We are heartbroken and no words can possibly describe how we feel. As such, we would be extremely grateful to be left in peace while we come to terms with our loss."

Paying their own tribute, Mr Miller's family said: "David was an artist by temperament, so talented. He had a creative eye that he carried with him through life and in his degree.

"He was hard-working, bright and conscientious, with everything to look forward to.

"David was very giving to his family and friends and we all adored him. He will be sorely, sorely missed."

Mr Miller finished studying civil and structural engineering at Leeds University in June, where he was on course to achieve a first-class degree.

He left Jersey on July 18 to undertake a six-week work placement as part of a scholarship at a mining company in Australia before travelling on to Thailand for a break with a close friend.

He had been due to leave Thailand today, and was looking forward to spending more time travelling in south east Asia before returning home to complete his master's degree.

Earlier, police in Thailand said they were focusing on migrant workers in the hunt for the killer responsible for the murder of an Essex University student and a man found dead on an idyllic island.

Police released images of a man, who looked Asian and who was considered a prime suspect, but they added they are following a number of leads in the case.

"We are focusing on migrant workers because of the surrounding witnesses and evidence, including the video footage," Major General Kiattipong Khawsamang said.

"We are sweeping hotels, bars, businesses and residences of migrant workers on the beach to find the suspect."

Ms Witheridge's father Tony said his family was "distraught" at receiving "the most devastating news".

It was not thought the victims were a couple, but had met recently on the island.

Their bodies were found on a rocky section of the shore around 100 yards from the scene of a beach party.

Police said they had sustained horrific injuries - the man was chopped in the back and on the side of his head, while the woman was chopped in her face.

Local people gathered last night for a candlelit vigil in memory of the victims.

Tributes to the pair were paid on social media sites, with one Twitter user saying he felt "sick and upset" after hearing of the death of a school friend.

Britons living on the Thai island posted on a special tribute site to Hannah.

One said: "As a UK citizen and a resident of Koh Tao I am deeply saddened by the recent events."

The island's bright coral, sharks and rays bring in divers, hikers enjoy jungle walks and the bar scene "rages on until dawn", according to the Lonely Planet travel guide.

The murders could badly damage tourism in Thailand which has already been affected by the country's deep political crisis and the introduction of martial law.

Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha said: "This should not have happened in Thailand. It will affect our image in the eyes of international countries."

Defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan said police hoped "to make an arrest as soon as possible."

Murdered woman in Thailand identified as Essex university student

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said yesterday that staff from its Bangkok office were on their way to Koh Tao.

"We are aware of the death of two British nationals on 15 September on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. The Embassy are urgently seeking information from the local authorities and Consular staff stand ready to provide assistance to friends and family at this tragic time," she said.

Colonel Prachum Ruangthong, of the Royal Thai Police, said they would allow people to travel to and from the island but that officers would monitor the port, Sky News reported.

He said: "We are not stopping people entering or leaving the island but we will put up around 30 to 40 police at the ports.

"If we do find a suspect we'll arrest them."

According to her Facebook page, Ms Witheridge had a keen interest in horses and lived in Colchester, Essex.

She graduated from the University of East Anglia in 2012 after finishing an education studies degree and last year began a masters degree in speech and language therapy at the University of Essex.

Tributes were left on a Facebook page set up yesterday in her memory.

Donna Liddle wrote: "R.I.P Hannah. My thoughts are with your family at this very sad time. Heaven has gained another beautiful angel xx".

Steve Maddams said: "Rest in peace Hannah. I still can't believe what's happened. There are so many memories that me, you, Judy and Di have such as the trip to Seckford Hall and Ipswich High School for girls - I have never laughed so much as we did on the way home.

"Also the meal at the last wine bar and the E.T impressions. Just as our weddings song says 'shine bright like a diamond'."

Lisa Carey also added: "Just terrible news. Thoughts go out to your family, Tony, sue, Paul, Laura, Tanya and all your extended family of which there are many. I'm so sorry for your loss. X."