The family of a University of Essex student brutally killed in Thailand have travelled to the country for the trial of two men accused of murdering her.

Hannah Witheridge, 23, from Colchester, was found dead alongside fellow Briton David Miller in the beach resort of Koh Tao last September.

Two Burmese migrant workers, Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin, face charges including murder and rape.

The pair deny the charges and their trial is due to begin today.

In a statement the family of the speech and language therapy student, from Norfolk, asked for dignity in the reporting of the trial.

They said: “We have travelled to Koh Samui for the start of the trial into the horrific murders of our beautiful Hannah, and David Miller. We stand united in our grief with David’s family and together wish to have privacy to follow the trial.

“Hannah was a beautiful person, inside and out, she brought a room alive just being there. She was fun, honest and loved life.

“Her bright future was brutally ended leaving those who loved her broken with no answers. We ask that the media treat Hannah with dignity in their reporting of the trial.

“Speculation, rumour and theory have been incredibly hurtful to our family and Hannah’s friends, making an already unthinkable time harder to bear. Please allow the police and the court to do their jobs during the coming weeks and months.

“We of course want to see those responsible for the brutal murder of our precious girl brought to justice.”