A French man stabbed a 21-year-old British woman to death and wounded two others in a backpackers’ hostel in northeast Australia, police said on Wednesday.
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The Australian and British media identified the deceased as Mia Ayliffe-Chung, from Derbyshire, who was reported to be days into a three-month working holiday in the area after having worked in a bar in the Gold Coast, the Guardian reported.
The 30-year-old is said to be fighting for his life after the attack at the Shelley’s Backpackers hostel in Home Hill, Queensland on Tuesday evening. “I can’t believe it, Tom was friends with all the kids in the neighbourhood, it’s so sad'”.
“He’s very friendly and he loves travelling”.
Two men were also injured, including a 30-year-old Briton who was taken to Townsville Base Hospital where he is reportedly in a critical condition.
“She got along with everyone she met, she just had that gorgeous personality that everyone seemed to enjoy”. Our thoughts are with Mia’s family and friends at this bad, terrible time.
France is cooperating with the Australian investigation into the attack, which also left a a second British person and an Australian wounded, the foreign ministry statement added. “Our memories will be cherished forever and I know she’d want us all to stay positive in the darkest of times”.
Investigators have the knife believed to have been used in the attack and are trying to piece together what occurred. “Rest in peace my handsome friend, heaven has truly gained another angel”.
In a press conference, deputy police commissioner Steve Gollschewski said the investigation was in its early stages and all motivations were being considered, including criminal and political, as well as the impact of drugs and mental health problems. We can’t divulge too much else right now’.
“Initial inquiries indicate that comments which may be construed of being of an extremist nature were made by the alleged offender”, he added.
Also known as Mimi, Mia had been in Australia for around a year and was posting regular updates from her travels, and was described by a friend at the hostel as “bubbly”.
The French national had entered Australia lawfully in March on a temporary visa, and was not on any watch lists, Gollschewski said.
Mr Gollschewski said the families of both victims had been contacted with the help of the British consulate.
Police confirmed they took a man into custody upon arriving at the scene at Ninth Street, Home Hill.
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Authorities said they are not searching for any other suspect in connection to the attack “at this time”, reaffirming there is no ongoing threat from the incident.
