TOKYO: The father of a British teacher murdered in Japan says he won't rest until her killer is caught.

Japanese police are hunting a man seen fleeing the flat in Tokyo where the body of Lindsay Hawker, 22, was discovered in a bath filled with sand on Monday. They have issued an arrest warrant and a photograph of Tatsuya Ichihashi, 28.

Bill Hawker flew to the Japanese capital yesterday to identify his daughter, accompanied by her devastated boyfriend Ryan Garside.

Mr Hawker's grief was etched on his face as he spoke through his tears at a press conference in Tokyo.

He insisted his daughter had not been in a relationship with Ichihashi, but was "tricked" by him on the pretext of giving English lessons.

Mr Hawker said he was satisfied with the police investigation, but appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He added: "My daughter didn't come here to be murdered, she came here to help people. She came to teach."

Mr Hawker said his daughter had always wanted to teach and had researched Japan thoroughly to make sure she was aware of all the dangers.

With the emotion proving too much, he broke down as he produced a picture of her.

"I'll carry this picture of my daughter forever and I will not rest until the man who killed my daughter is caught."

Mr Garside said he and Lindsay had been together for four years. He had planned to join her in Japan this summer to teach before travelling.

He added: "She was the best thing in my life. I loved her so, so much. We planned to get married and start a family.

"That man has ruined mine and Lindsay's plan - he ruined our dream."

Meanwhile, back home near Coventry, Miss Hawker's sisters Lisa and Louise said the family had been torn apart by what had happened.