New hope in Thai backpack murder

Police in Thailand said today that they have identified a prime suspect in the murder of a 23-year-old British tourist 18 months ago.

Kirsty Jones, of Brecon, was found dead at a guest house in the northern city of Chiang Mai on 10 August, 2000.

Initially, the British owner of the guest house was accused of her murder but charges against him were later dropped.

Today, police said an end to their search was near, but did not reveal their new evidence. "The case will be solved very soon," said Colonel Dinai Boonruang.