Lindsay Ann Hawker's body was found in a bathtub of sand

Tatsuya Ichihashi, 28, has not been seen since he fled the Tokyo apartment where Miss Hawker's body was found in a bathtub filled with sand in March.

His brain surgeon father sent a message to Miss Hawker's parents via the Japanese detective leading the inquiry.

UK police are also to fly to Japan to join in the investigation.

Two officers will fly out to observe their Japanese counterparts following a request by Nuneaton MP Bill Olner for Prime Minister Tony Blair to intervene.

'So regrettable'

Miss Hawker, 22, of Brandon, near Coventry, had travelled to Japan to teach English as a foreign language.

Post-mortem test results suggested the Leeds University graduate was strangled or asphyxiated. She had also suffered severe injuries to her face and arms.

Tatsuya Ichihashi's father has urged him to "atone"

The message from Mr Ichihashi's father said: "When we heard what had happened to your daughter we were at a loss and were shocked.

"It is so regrettable this happened.

"We wish to express our sorrow. We hope your daughter is at peace and that our son will atone for his crime as soon as possible."

Miss Hawker's father Bill has called the message a "hollow gesture".

Pictures and video footage of Mr Ichihashi have been widely circulated in Japan and photos of him can be seen at police stations across Tokyo.

Mr Ichihashi fled from his apartment when police arrived to question him about the missing woman. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

CCTV images of the teacher with Mr Ichihashi, said to have been taken hours before her death, were broadcast on Japanese television in April.

Coffee shop

Video clips have also been released by Japanese Police appearing to show Miss Hawker and the suspect at a coffee shop hours before her death.

Staff there said the conversation appeared to be a language lesson.

Her parents have rejected that she was teaching Mr Ichihashi English and the possibility that she was in "any sort of" relationship with him.