Briton who tried to protect woman from knife attack in Australia dies in hospital

Police in Australia confirmed that a 30-year-old British man, who was seriously injured in a knife attack in Queensland, when he tried to protect a 21-year-old backpacker, has died.

Thomas Jackson of Congleton, Cheshire was stabbed after he intervened to help Mia Ayliffe-Chung from Derbyshire, while she was reportedly being stabbed at a hostel by a French national, identified as Smail Ayad.

According to police, a knife-wielding Ayad attacked Jackson in the bathroom of the hostel where he and another man were tending to the fatally wounded Alyffe-Chung.

Since the reported attack, Jackson, a freelance journalist had been on life support. Late last week, Jackson's father had flown to Queensland to be by his son's side. The Queensland police media unit said on Twitter: "The family of Thomas have told us that while they appreciate the support, they don't wish to speak to the media."

Meanwhile, the woman who was stabbed at Shelley's backpackers hostel in Home Hill on 23 August, died on the spot. The attacker has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of murder, one count of animal cruelty and 12 counts of serious assault.

Police are investigating whether Ayad had an unrequited romantic interest or "obsession" with Alyffe-Chung.