THE son of a village chief has been cleared of any involvement in the double murder of British tourists.

DNA from Warot Tuwichian did not match with DNA found on the body of Essex University student Hannah Witheridge.

Police confirmed the tests were carried out as he wanted his name cleared.

Two other men, who originally confessed, have retracted their statement claiming they were tortured by police.

Their families are taking legal action.

Their lawyer, Surapong Kongchantuk, said: “When they visited their sons they were told they did not commit the crime.

“They were tortured by police and the police interpreter.

"I would like the Department of Special Investigation to take up the case.”

The accusations have been denied by police.

Miss Witheridge, a speech and language therapy student at Essex University, was killed on a beach on the tiny island of Koh Tao on September 15.

The body of the 23-year-old was found alongside that of fellow British backpacker David Miller, 24.

Bar workers Zaw Lin and Win Zaw Htun, both 21, have been charged with murder.

They deny the charge and new DNA tests have been carried out.

Thailand's National Human Rights Commission said it had found evidence that the two suspects were physically abused by the police.

The suspects were charged with three offences - conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to rape, and robbery.

A petition signed by more than 100,000 people has been handed in to 10 Downing Street demanding a new, independent investigation into the deaths.

However Thailand's police chief has defended the force's conduct and threatened anyone speculating on the murders with up to five years in jail.