Brit who tried to help backpacker who was stabbed to death in Australia dies

A British backpacker has died of stab wounds, after trying to help a fellow British backpacker in a knife attack in Australia.

Tom Jackson, suffered serious stab wounds to his face, head and body, after trying to help 21-year-old Mia Ayliffe-Chung, who died at the scene. The attack, which took place at around 23:15, on 23rd August, at a hostel near Townsville in north Queensland, was carried out by 29-year-old Frenchman Smail Ayad.

The attack took place at Shelley’s Backpackers, a hostel in Home Hill, 60 miles from Townsville. The Home Hill area is popular with backpackers who wish to work in the agricultural industry.

It is reported that the knifeman became obsessed with Miss Ayliffe-Chung, and that he took her from her bed and and stabbed her over and over again. It is said that Ayad shouted “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is great,” while carrying out the attack - however Islamic extremism is said not to have been his motive.

Ayad was arrested at the scene and now faces additional charges after killing 2 people, a dog, and assaulting and injuring several others, including officers. Ayad will next appear in Townsville Magistrates’ Court, on 28th October, where detectives will upgrade his charges to murder. Ayad remains in custody as investigations continue.

Grateful for the support he has received following the attack on his son, Mr Jackson’s Father wrote: “We are bereft. Our darling tom has left us and the world is a poorer place. Thanks again to everyone for the love and support you have given us over the last few days, we will be forever grateful.

“There is dark and evil in this world perpetrated by a few, but so much more love and light emanates from so many more. That thought will sustain us over the coming days.”

Published 30 Aug 2016

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