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

A man has been charged with murder following the death of British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung in Australia.

Miss Ayliffe-Chung, 21, was stabbed to death at the Shelley's Backpackers accommodation in the Home Hill area oфf Queensland on Tuesday night.

Police said a 29-year-old man 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.

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

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

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

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

A 46-year-old local man also 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.

Her mother Rosie Ayliffe paid tribute to her in a statement.

"My beloved daughter Mia was an amazing young woman with an adventurous spirit. Not only was she kind and funny, she was clever, sassy with a sense of fun," she said.

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