Alleged killer was ‘obsessed’

A 29-year-old man accused of stabbing British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung to death in Australia may have been “obsessed” with her, police say.

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

Miss Ayliffe-Chung, 21, from Wirksworth, Derbyshire, was attacked at Shelley’s Backpackers accommodation in theHome Hill area of Queensland on Tuesday night.

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

British backpacker Chris Porter, from Kent, jumped out of a second storey window to flee from the knifeman, who then chased him down the street, according to reports. He is in hospital being treated fordamageto both ankles. Police are investigating reports that Ayad, a 29-year-old Frenchman, hadanunrequited romantic interest or an “obsession” with Miss AyliffeChung.

Superintendent Ray Rohweder of Queensland Police also said there was an indication that Ayad had taken cannabis on Tuesday evening.

Police have confirmed he shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack but said there is no indication that radicalisation or political motives were involved.

Miss Ayliffe-Chung died from stab wounds.

Mia Ayliffe-Chung