Frenchman Charged With Murder Over Death Of Mia Ayliffe-Chung In Australia

A 29-year-old Frenchman has been charged with murder over the death of British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung in Australia.

Miss Ayliffe-Chung, 21, was stabbed multiple times at the Shelley's Backpackers accommodation in Home Hill in north Queensland on Tuesday night.

Smail Ayad has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of serious animal cruelty and 12 counts of serious assault.

Briton Tom Jackson, 30, was injured trying to help Miss Ayliffe-Chung. He remains in Townsville Base Hospital with critical head injuries.

Police have described Mr Jackson's actions as "selfless".

Mr Jackson's father is heading to the hospital to be with his son.

Another British backpacker was injured and is in hospital being treated for injuries to his ankles.

A 46-year-old local man received non-life threatening injuries in the attack. A dog was also killed.

Miss Ayliffe-Chung, from Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was believed to be just days into a three-month stint working on a farm as part of her visa requirements when she was attacked.

A post-mortem examination found her cause of death to be multiple stab wounds.

Her mother Rosie Ayliffe paid tribute to her "kind and funny" daughter.

"My beloved daughter Mia was an amazing young woman with an adventurous spirit," she said.

"Not only was she kind and funny, she was clever, sassy with a sense of fun."

Police say the suspect was taken to hospital on Wednesday with non-life-threatening injuries.

When he was released to the watch house, he allegedly assaulted two officers and violently resisted until a Taser and capsicum spray were used to subdue him.

Police said the man charged would appear at Townsville Magistrates Court on Friday.

Detective Superintendent Ray Rohweder said he would appear in court via videolink.

"There are a number of issues in relation to officer and public safety," he said.

"His demeanour remains unchanged."

Police have ruled out any links to extremism.

Det Supt Rohweder said: "There has been no indication whatsoever that any radicalisation or political motives exist."

The suspect has had access to legal representation and the French consulate and he declined to be interviewed.

British High Commissioner to Australia Menna Rawlings is in Home Hill to provide support to Britons involved in the attack.

She tweeted: "Visited Ayr and #HomeHill with consular staff to meet local police and UK nationals. Deep sympathy to all affected."