Family ‘heartbroken’ as hostel knife attack hero dies of injuries

THE family of a British “hero” who tried to save a fellow backpacker as she was stabbed to death in Australia today said they were “indescribably proud” of him after he died in hospital.

Thomas Jackson, 30, was also stabbed and suffered critical head injuries as he went to the aid of 21-year-old Mia Ayliffe-Chung during the knife attack at the Shelley’s Backpackers hostel in Home Hill on Tuesday last week.

Frenchman Smail Ayad, 29, has been charged with the murder of Ms AyliffeChung, of Wirksworth, Derbyshire, and attempting to murder Mr Jackson, from Congleton, Cheshire.

Queensland Police said this charge would be upgraded to murder after Mr Jackson died at Townsville Hospital.

His sister Liv, who flew out to Australia with their father Les following the attack, today paid tribute to a “wonderful big brother”.

She wrote online: “There is nothing in this world that can prepare you for the pain and heartbreak of losing a sibling and a friend, but there is great comfort in knowing that he was mine.

“To everyone back home and to everyone here in Australia there are literally not enough words to thank you for your support and beautifully kind words to my family at this time.”

She urged people not to remember him as a victim but as a friend, and to cherish his memory, adding: “Indescribably proud of every thing you a c c o mp l i s h e d and the live s you touched. I will love you always and forever TJ, your little sister, Lou.”

His father said in a statement: “We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place.

“There is dark and evil in this world perpetrated by a few, but so much more love and light emanates from so many more. That thought will sustain us over the coming days.”

Ayad, who next appears before magistrates on October 28, is alleged to have caused the injuries which led to Mr Jackson’s death, as well as harming