The man accused of murdering two British backpackers in north Queensland has been moved from Townsville to a secure mental health facility in Brisbane.

French national Smail Ayad allegedly attacked Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, and Tom Jackson, 30, in front of about 30 people at their Home Hill backpackers hostel on August 23.

Ayad is also accused of killing a dog and a dozen counts of assaulting police.

It is alleged Ayad used the Arabic phrase “Allahu akbar” both during the attack and his arrest, and while police ruled out any links to extremism, they are still investigating whether he had a romantic interest in Ms Ayliffe-Chung.

The ABC understands Mr Jackson and Ayad were close friends.

Mr Jackson died in hospital a week after being stabbed in the eye, head and torso when he sought to shield Ms Ayliffe-Chung in the bathroom.

Ms Ayliffe-Chung died that night and Mr Jackson was taken to the Townsville Hospital in a critical condition.

It is believed Ayad was transferred from Townsville to Brisbane last Thursday under heavy guard on a chartered flight.

His case is due to be heard again in court in October, where his attempted murder charge over Mr Jackson’s death is due to be upgraded to murder.