Family and friends, both in Australia and overseas, have led an outpouring of tributes for the young, “sassy” British woman murdered in north Queensland this week.

Mia Ayliffe-Chung was stabbed to death in front of about 30 people at Shelley’s Backpackers in Home Hill, south of Townsville late on Tuesday evening.

Frenchman Smail Ayad, 29, was charged with Ms Ayliffe-Chung’s murder on Thursday, as well as the attempted murder of British man Tom Jackson who came to her aid.

Mr Jackson, 30, was severely wounded in the frenzied hostel stabbing.

The father of the British backpacker arrived in Townsville from the UK last night, as his son remains in a critical condition on life support in hospital.

He had been trying to save Ms Ayliffe-Chung.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung’s stepfather, Stewart Cormack, described 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,” Mr Cormack said in a statement on British TV.

“Just seeing her outward appearance could not give you an inkling of how wonderful she was emotionally, socially and mentally.

Her stepfather described Ms Ayliffe-Chung as kind, funny, sassy and open-minded. Photo: Facebook

“As a peaceful person Mia had huge respect for everybody.”

Police are yet to release a motive for the attack but have all but ruled out Muslim extremism, despite claims Ayad shouted the Arabic phrase “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest) both during the attack and his arrest.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung, originally from Wirksworth in Derbyshire, was reportedly just 10 days into a three-month contract working on a farm near Home Hill.

Friends paid tribute to the “happy young girl” on her Facebook page on Wednesday, while tributes and messages have been left at the front of Shelley’s Backpackers.

Before travelling to Home Hill, Ms Ayliffe-Chung worked at the Bedroom nightclub on the Gold Coast.

By Thursday night, more than 270 messages had been posted on Ms Ayliffe-Chung’s Facebook page, which has been kept open as a ‘remembrance’ page.

Along with messages of support and condolence, there were a great many anti-Islamic comments.

Tributes and messages have been left at the front of Shelley’s Backpackers. Photo: ABC

Moments before allegedly stabbing Ms Ayliffe-Chung, and attempting to stab two others, Mr Ayad allegedly wrote a message on his Facebook page which, when translated, said he “believed he was a victim of international organisations” and would “die soon”.

Mr Ayad has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, serious animal cruelty, and 12 counts of assault.

A dog was killed during the incident and Shelley’s Backpackers manager Grant Scholz received more than 100 stitches after attempting to intervene in the attack.

“I’ve never come across anything like it. And I hope I don’t again,” Mr Scholz told Channel Nine news.

Mr Scholz, who nicknamed Mr Ayad “smiley”, said he was shocked beyond belief.

Smail Ayad is charged with one count of murder and two of attempted murder. Photo: ABC

“He’s the last person I expected to do anything like that.”

Mr Ayad was taken to hospital on Wednesday with non-life-threatening injuries. When he was released to the watch house on Wednesday evening, he allegedly assaulted two officers and violently resisted until a Taser and capsicum spray were used to subdue him. 

Superintendent Ray Rohweder said Ayad would appear in court via video link for safety reasons.

“There are a number of issues in relation to officer and public safety,” he said. “His demeanour remains unchanged.”

Police have indicated Ayad used cannabis on the night of the attack.

– with ABC