Backpacker stabbing: Tom Jackson’s family release statement

UPDATED: The father of a man seriously injured in a violent knife attack, that left another young woman dead, has released a heartbreaking letter to the community.

Tom Jackson was severely injured when he went to the aid of fellow backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung, during a violent attack. Picture: AAP Image/Facebook

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THE father of a man seriously injured in a violent knife attack, that left another young woman dead, has released a heartbreaking letter to the community.

Tom Jackson was stabbed in the face, head and torso trying to save a badly injured Mia Ayliffe-Chung as she tried to escape her attacker at a Townsville backpackers hostel.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung died from her injuries and Mr Jackson remains in a Townsville hospital.

Another man was also injured in the attack.

In an open letter, Mr Jackson’s father Les Jackson, said he was “immensely proud” of his son for a number of reasons.

“His actions in response to this horrific attack only add to that sense of pride,” Mr Jackson said.

“As a family we have been comforted by the help and support offered by our friends and

family at home and in Australia who have been wonderful.

Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, was killed during a violent attack. Picture: Facebook

“As Tom’s dad here in Townsville that comfort and many offers of support and friendship has been given by the Townsville community.

“Please don’t think I am unappreciative of these kind offers if they appear to be silently ignored. They have not been but I think you will understand that our sole focus at the moment is entirely on Tom’s condition.

Tom Jackson's father Les Jackson arrives at Townsville airport to see his son who is critically ill at the Townsville Hospital after receiving stab wounds in Home Hill

“We are in awe of the medical and support staff at The Townsville Hospital who are providing

the greatest care Tom could hope to receive and keeping me informed of his ongoing treatment every step of the way.

“Finally, and most importantly, our hearts go out to Mia and her family and friends at this

dreadful time.”

The man accused of the fatal stabbing, Smail Ayad, 29, has been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder.

He is also charged with animal cruelty and 12 counts of assaulting police.

John Norris, who runs the hostel, today said Ayad had been planning to leave the hostel prior to the incident on Tuesday.

“He was going to book out that morning before the incident and he decided to stay another day and, why, we can’t even understand that,” he said.

“He told about three different stories. He said he was going back to France and then said he was going elsewhere.

Speaking inside the backpacker hostel, after police cleared the crime scene, Mr Norris said he felt for the families affected.

“I’d like to just give our condolences to them,” he said.

“Because words can’t describe how they must be feeling.”

Mr Norris said he wanted to thank the community, including police and ambulance who attended the horrific scene.

Police forensic officers investigate outside rooms where a stabbings took place in Home Hill, outside of Townsville. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

“I’d like to thank all of the businesses in town who donated toiletries, anything that backpackers needed they donated,” he said.

“Food, barbecue, the Red Cross. They have been absolutely unbelievable.

“They’ve taken people to Townsville to see Tom in hospital, they supplied a barbecue last night.

Mr Norris said he believed people grieved differently.

“Last night was a time where all the backpackers and the community can all get together and grieve together and basically let out their feelings,” Mr Norris said.

Mr Norris said the backpackers were still “apprehensive, still a little bit numb about the whole incident”.

“A lot of the backpackers thought they could do more and wished they had done more but ... I was just happier that most of the backpackers kept safe.

“They were asked to get into their rooms and get the doors closed to try to protect themselves.

Mr Norris said the hostel would continue to stay open.

“We’ve been doing the backpackers for 15 years now,” he said.

“Although we’ve had some altercations we’ve never come across anything like this.”