Man charged with murder of British backpacker in Queensland

Police have charged a 29-year-old man with murder following the death of British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung in Queensland, Australia.

The Queensland Police Service said he had been charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of serious animal cruelty and twelve counts of serious assault.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung (21) from Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was attacked at the Shelley’s Backpackers accommodation in the Home Hill area of Queensland on Tuesday night.

The Queensland Police Service previously confirmed the man they had arrested was Smail Ayad, a 29-year-old Frenchman.

A 30-year-old British man police named as Tom Jackson remains in hospital with critical head injuries and a 46-year-old local man received non-life threatening injuries.

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

A statement said: “It will be alleged that as the man was being transported from the hospital to the watch house around 5.45pm, he assaulted two officers and resisted violently and police have had to use a Taser and capsicum spray on the man.”

Superintendent Ray Rohweder of Queensland Police had previously said the possibility that Mr Ayad had an unrequited romantic interest or an “obsession” with Ms Ayliffe-Chung was a line of inquiry.

He also said there was an indication that Mr Ayad had taken cannabis on Tuesday evening and police confirmed he had shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the alleged attack.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung’s suffered multiple stab wounds. Her mother Rosie Ayliffe paid tribute to her in a statement, saying she was an “amazing young woman with an adventurous spirit”.

Mr Jackson was injured trying to help Miss Ayliffe-Chung. Police described his actions as “selfless”.

Another British backpacker was injured and is in hospital being treated for damage to both ankles.

PA