The British tourists murdered in Thailand this week struggled with their attacker before their untimely deaths, a forensic report indicates.

According to a Fairfax report, leaked forensic documents show British tourist David Miller struggled violently in the sea with his attacker before he was bludgeoned to death with a shovel.

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The 24-year-old was found to have water in his lungs before he was murdered on the Thai island of Koh Tao after attending a beach party.

Tests indicate that fellow victim Hannah Witheridge also struggled with her attacker before being murdered.

It is believed the 23-year-old had sex before her death, but rape has been ruled out.

Thai police are questioning a travel companion of Mr Miller’s, but no suspect has been identified.