Backpacker’s grief for friend slain in Oz hostel knifing horror
A BRITISH backpacker has spoken of his devastation and heartbreak after being caught up in an attack in Australia that ended with his friend being fatally stabbed.
Chris Porter, from Kent, has been discharged from hospital after damaging both ankles when he jumped from a second-storey window to flee the knifeman.
Mia Ayliffe- Chung (21), from Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was killed in the attack at the Shelley’s Backpackers accommodation in the Home Hill area of Queensland on Tuesday night.
A 30-year-old British man, named by police as Tom Jackson, was admitted to hospital with critical head injuries, while a 46-year-old local man suffered non life-threatening injuries.
In a Facebook posting, Mr Porter said: “I’m truly devastated and heartbroken about what has happened and I’m still in shock.
“Never thought I’d be heading back through that airport without Mia. I’d appreciate if every- one just gave me some time to myself for a while and I will get through all my inbox gradually.”
Smail Ayad ( 29) 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 are investigating reports that the Frenchman had an unrequited romantic interest or an “obsession” with Miss Ayliffe- Chung.
Superintendent Ray Rohweder of Queensland Police also said there was an indication that Ayad had taken cannabis on Tuesday. Police have confirmed he shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack but said there was no indication radicalisation or political motives were involved.
Mr Rohweder said there were a “number of concerns in relation to both officer and public safety” after the suspect allegedly attacked a number of police.
The 12 serious assaults he has been charged with are in relation to 12 separate police officers.
A post-mortem examination found Miss Ayliffe- Chung died from multiple stab wounds.
Her mother Rosie Ayliffe paid tribute to her, saying she was an “amazing young woman with an adventurous spirit”.