The AFP are investigating a stabbing at a home hill backpackers in Ayr, QLD. Tragically a 21 year old woman was killed and a 30 year old man has been critically injured in the attack. The attack allegedly took place in front of about 30 people at Shelley’s Backpackers in Home Hill late on Tuesday night.
Both of the victims were British citizens. A local man also sustained minor injuries during the incident and has been released from hospital. It has also been rumoured a dog was killed in the attack.
According to Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski the 29-year-old French citizen, used the Arabic phrase “Allahu akbar” both during the attack and his arrest.
The suspect is now in Townsville Hospital being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the victims and we urge everyone to stay safe during their travels.
If you have any information please go to the police.
Police Press Conference
Please skip direct to 1 minute 44 seconds where the video starts.
Please skip to 1min 15 to watch this video.
Witness Reports
Locals interviewed by ABC were quoted saying ‘We heard the screams’
“It’s a very quiet town … we heard the screams … I was terrified, it wasn’t very pleasant at all. I’ll never forget it.
“A sleepy little town like this, you don’t expect things like that to happen”
