A 30-year-old British man was in critical condition in hospital after the attack late on Tuesday in Queensland state, south of the tropical city of Townsville.
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Mia Ayliffe-Chung was stabbed to death at an Australian hostel (Tommy Martin/PA) Undated handout photo supplied by Amy Browne of her with Mia Ayliffe-chung (right), who has been named locally as the 21-year-old British woman who has died after being stabbed at a backpackers’ hostel in Australia by a man shouting “Allahu Akbar”.
Queensland Police Service said up to 30 people witnessed the “senseless act of violence” at around 11.15am GMT yesterday morning (August 23), in which a 46-year-old local man also suffered non life-threatening injuries.
“When we transported the suspect from the Townsville hospital to the Townsville police station, the suspect behaved in an extremely violent manner, which necessitated police stopping the motor vehicle and attempting to restrain him”.
“There is no doubt that Mr Jackson’s attempts to render aid to Mia and his subsequent actions were absolutely fantastic”, Supt Rohweder said.
Hostel owner John Norris told Daily Mail Australia that Mr Jackson was one of three men to risk their lives to save Ms Ayliffe-Chug.
Another British backpacker was injured and is in hospital being treated for injuries to his ankles. He had reportedly also told friends of developing romantic feelings toward her before the incident.
However, they are also investigating the possibility Ms Ayliffe Chung’s attacker may have been infatuated with her and for evidence of drug use or mental illness.
In an appearance on the BBC, Ayliffe-Chung’s stepfather tearfully read a statement on behalf of her mother, Rosie Ayliffe.
There are also reports of another incident on Wednesday night, when officers had to use tazers and capsicum spray to subdue Ayad at the Townsville watch house, where he is now being held.
He was due to appear in court today via video link but police explained he would not be present because he had caused a “disturbance” while in custody.
Sharon Cowden, an Australian federal police commander, said at the same press conference that while the alleged killer had no known links to extremist groups, investigators would be “speaking to all appropriate worldwide law enforcement” to examine this.
Queensland Superintendent, Ray Rohweder, said: “There are a number of concerns in relation to both officer and public safety”.
Police have ruled out any links to extremism.
Rohweder said Ayad, who had consular assistance from the French government, had declined to be interviewed by the police before being charged.
The attack took place at a hostel in Home Hill, in the north Queensland region of Australia.
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She tweeted: “Visited Ayr and #HomeHill with consular staff to meet local police and United Kingdom nationals”.
