British woman, 21, killed in Australian backpackers' hostel attack by knifeman 'shouting Allahu Akbar'

A British tourist killed at a hostel in Australia by a Frenchman yelling “Allahu akbar” has been named as Mia Ayliffe-Chung.

The 21-year-old studied psychology and childcare before travelling to Surfers Paradise, in the state of Queensland, and working as a nightclub waitress. 

Police arrested a 29-year-old Frenchman and are investigating whether the “senseless” knife attack was motivated by Islamic extremism. 

The man killed Ms Ayliffe-Chung and injured a 30-year-old Briton as well as a dog.

According to her Facebook page, Miss Ayliffe-Chung, from the town of Belper in Derbyshire, went to school at Ecclesbourne School and Anthony Gell School in Derbyshire before studying  at Buxton and Leek College and Chesterfield College.

Her identity was confirmed by local media in Surfers Paradise, where her workmates described her as "bubbly".

She reportedly travelled north from Surfers Paradise ten days ago to work in a rural area to extend her Australian visa.

Describing her rural experience last week, she wrote: “Skills achieved; the ability to tell the difference between a rock and a clump of mud and throwing stones really far. The sun is too hot. Stupid Australia.”

The attack happened on Tuesday night at a hostel in Home Hill, a quiet coastal town about 60 miles south of the city of Townsville in north Queensland.

The 30-year-old British man is in hospital in a critical condition.

According to witnesses, the killer yelled “Allah Akbar” – Arabic for “God is greater” – during the attack and after he was arrested.

“We don’t have a motive yet,” said superintendent Ray Rohweder.

“Police were confronted with a terrible scene when they arrived. There were up to 30 people who witnessed the incident.”

A local resident was also injured, but not seriously, and a dog that lived on the premises was killed.

Police said the Frenchman was legally in Australia on a temporary visa and was not known to authorities. He had been in Australia since March.

“This person appears to have acted alone,” said Steve Gollschewski, Queensland’s deputy commissioner.

“He is a visitor to Australia and appears to have no known local connections… This is a tragic incident.”

Mr Gollschewski said police were investigating whether the attacker was motivated by Islamic extremism, adding: “We could be dealing with a pure criminal act or something related to mental health or drug issues.” 

Monique Cross, an Australian friend of Miss Ayliffe-Chung, said: "She was a gorgeous person. It's an awful tragedy - I can't believe it."

Other friends off Miss Ayliffe-Chung paid tribute on Facebook, with Tom Paenga writing: "R.I.P Mia. I know that I will not find someone like you again, so happy, so motivating, in good times and in bad times always you were drawing a smile...

"My condolences to your family and to those who had the pleasure of meeting you. Taken to soon but never forgotten!!!"

Kyle Godwin wrote: "We really do live in a cruel world. The only good thing to come from this is that heaven really truly has gained an amazing and beautiful soul. I love you more then anything in this world beautiful".

According to social media, Miss Ayliffe-Chung was only days into a three-month trip working with animals on a farm and had been posting diary entries on Facebook with pictures, sharing her experiences with friends.

Her latest post, on Saturday, read: "Day 4 done. Just 85 left! Skills achieved; the ability to tell the difference between a rock and a clump of mud and throwing stones really far. The sun is too hot. Stupid Australia."

Amy Browne, 19, from the Gold Coast, who worked as a bartender at the Bedroom Lounge Bar where Miss Ayliffe-Chung was a waitress, told the Press Association: "Mia was honestly the most bubbliest and most caring girl I knew.

"She got along with everyone she met, she just had that gorgeous personality that everyone seemed to enjoy.

"She always had a smile on her face, so innocent and full of life and love. Our memories will be cherished forever and I know she'd want us all to stay positive in the darkest of times. Rest in peace my beautiful friend, heaven has truly gained another angel."

On July 19, Miss Ayliffe-Chung wrote on Facebook about being away from her family and home: "The hardest thing living my dream, missing the important home things. Graduations, people in hospital, funerals and birthdays."

Tommy Martin, 24, from Newbury, Berkshire, who met Miss Ayliffe-Chung in Bali before reuniting on the Gold Coast, said: "She was a free spirit who didn't have any set plans but that's the way she loved it.

"Although I didn't know her for long, on behalf of myself and Ryan, it was great to meet her.

"I'm very shocked to see this and to be honest I've never known anyone to die so it's a bit much."

Mr Gollschewski said Miss Ayliffe-Chung was the first person to be attacked and that the incident was being treated as a murder case, not a terror attack.

Mr Rohweder added: "Witnesses have said that they have observed the person attacking one of the persons and as a result of that there was another altercation and subsequently the male person has gone back upstairs at the accommodation complex."

Two police officers arrived and the attacker was asked to lie on the ground before being arrested. 

^{The attack took place in Home Hill, a coastal town about 60 miles south of Townsville in north Queensland}

Police have informed British diplomats, who will attempt to contact the families.

Australia has experienced numerous attacks and plots by Islamic extremists in recent years, though they have typically involved local – and often Australian-born - citizens.