Police have serious concerns for a British backpacker critically injured trying to stave off a fatal stabbing attack in Queensland's north, as his family rushes from the other side of the world to be by his side.
Investigations continue into the shocking attack that took the life of 21-year-old English tourist Mia Ayliffe-Chung and left fellow Brit Thomas Jackson fighting for his life in Townsville Hospital.
A 29-year-old Frenchman, named by News Corp as Smail Ayad, allegedly yelled "Allahu Akbar" as he stabbed the two tourists, a 46-year-old Australian man and killed that man's dog on Tuesday night.
Police said the suspect resisted being moved from Townsville Hospital to the watchhouse overnight, but it wasn't clear whether any officers were injured.
Amid speculation the motive may have been infatuation, rather than extremism, Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the joint federal-state operation remained a live investigation.
"It's my understanding the suspect will be interviewed today formally," he told The Today Show.
"But we are making inquiries overseas, particularly in France, about his background and certainly where he's travelled throughout the world."
Mr Jackson remained in a critical but stable condition on Thursday morning but Mr Stewart said police were "very concerned" about his welfare.
"His family is on its way from England and certainly they'll be provided all support through the police and through the Consulate officials," he said.
The commissioner said Ms Ayliffe-Chung's family was also believed to be travelling to Australia.
Her stepfather, Stewart Cormack, paid tribute to the 21-year-old as a kind, funny, sassy and open-minded young woman who would be sorely missed.
"Mia was a rare person who saw beyond race, creed and belief. She would always treat others with dignity, respect and kindness," he said on British TV.
"Just seeing her outward appearance could not give you an inkling of how wonderful she was emotionally, socially and mentally.
"As a peaceful person Mia had huge respect for everybody."
Police said there were up to 30 witnesses to the alleged attack that claimed Ms Ayliffe-Chung's life.
The AFP became involved as a result of the alleged attacker's comments, which police said could be "construed as being of an extremist nature".
But on Wednesday evening, Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski said police had not found any evidence to link the incident to extremism or radicalism.
- with Nathanael Cooper
