Thai murder has left 'huge void'

The friends on New Year's Day - the last day they were together

The mother and travelling companion of Katherine Horton, the British student murdered in Thailand, have spoken publicly of their loss.

Ruth Adams was one of the last people to see her Reading University friend alive on Koh Samui on 1 January and said her death left a "huge void".

Speaking from her home in Cardiff, Miss Horton's mother Elizabeth said she felt numb about arrests in Thailand.

Police say two local fishermen have confessed to murdering the 21-year-old.

Thai police said that DNA tests link the men with Miss Horton's rape and murder.

Fellow student Miss Adams, from Bromley, near London, said she and Ms Horton had been "inseparable".

I cannot understand how something so evil could happen to someone so innocent, beautiful, passionate and selfless Ruth Adams

Miss Horton's body was discovered by a water biker in the sea off Lamai beach on 2 January.

She had been on the beach with friends on 1 January, close to the bungalows they had rented, when she is said to have wandered away to speak to her mother on her mobile phone.

On Monday, two fishermen, aged 23 and 24, confessed to her rape and murder.

Reacting to news of the arrests, Elizabeth Horton, 53, said: "I hope they have got the right people. I don't feel anger towards them and I don't feel hatred.

"I'm using every last bit of emotional energy just to get through the day. But I'm just not able to think about it at the moment - I just feel numb."

Katherine Horton was last seen phoning her mother on 1 January

Miss Adams, who flew back to the UK last week, said she was encouraged by "swift progress" by the Thai police.

"My words cannot express the loss and devastation that I feel knowing I have lost my best friend in the most brutal, evil and permanent way imaginable," she said.

"Kath and I were inseparable - we knew each other inside out and shared everything.

"I cannot understand how something so evil could happen to someone so innocent, beautiful, passionate and selfless.

"My only comfort is that she is now in a place where no one can ever hurt her again."

'Last meal'

Miss Adams added that the pair, both third year psychology students, had travelled together previously.

She said: "Kath and I became instant friends when we met at Reading University, we did the same course, shared a house and often travelled together.

"Last year we enjoyed our backpacking holiday through Croatia - which is when we discussed travelling further afield after we had graduated.

"We discussed this again on what was to turn out to be the last meal we ever shared on Koh Samui on New Years Day.

"We spent New Years Day together, snorkelling and splashing around in the sea, sunbathing and chatting.

"Now all of that has gone for ever, and there is a huge void in my life".