A British man who tried to save fellow backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung as she was stabbed in an Australian hostel has died.

Thomas Jackson, 30, from Cheshire, suffered severe head injuries after being repeatedly stabbed in the attack in Queensland on August 23.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung, 21, from Derbyshire, died at the scene.

A Queensland Police spokesman said: "Police can confirm 30-year-old British man Thomas Jackson, critically injured in an alleged knife attack at Home Hill on August 23, has today passed away in the Townsville Hospital."

Speaking at the time, Mr Jackson's family they were "immensely proud" of him after he tried to save Ms Ayliffe-Chung's life.

After his death, his father Les Jackson said: "We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place. Thanks again to everyone for the love and support you have given us over the last few days, we will be forever grateful.

"There is dark and evil in this world perpetrated by a few, but so much more love and light emanates from so many more. That thought will sustain us over the coming days."

A Youcaring fundraising page set up to help Tom's family has raised more than £1,300 of a £5,000 target with all donations going to Mr Jackson's parents.

Frenchman Smail Ayad has been charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of serious animal cruelty and 12 counts of serious assault.

Detectives are expected to upgrade the attempted murder charge when Ayad next appears in court on October 28.

Police are investigating reports that he had an "obsession" with Miss Ayliffe-Chung.