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A hero LFC fan who tried to save a fellow backpacker from a knifeman in Australia has died in hospital.

Tom Jackson, 30, from Congleton, Cheshire, was knifed in the head while trying to save Mia Ayliffe-Chung , 21, who was murdered at a north Queensland hostel last Tuesday.

His dad, Les, today paid tribute to his ‘darling’ son, who used to work at Liverpool restaurant Hanover Street Social, on a Youcaring fundraising page set up to help the family .

He wrote: “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.”

Mr Jackson’s sister, Liv, wrote on Facebook: “Today it is with the heaviest of hearts that I have had to say goodbye to my wonderful big brother, Tom.

"There is nothing in this world that can prepare you for the pain and heartbreak of losing a sibling and a friend, but there is great comfort in knowing that he was mine.

“To everyone back home and to everyone here in Australia, there are literally not enough words to thank you for your support and beautifully kind words to my family at this time. All that I ask is that you don’t remember Tom as a victim. You remember him as a friend, cherish the memories you had together and be thankful you got to meet him and be part of the joy that he bought to this world.

“Indescribably proud of everything you accomplished and the lives you touched. I will love you always and forever TJ, your little sister, Lou.”

A spokesman for Queensland Police 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.”

'He was attacked while selflessly trying to save a woman from being killed'

The stabbing took place at an accommodation complex in the Home Hill area of Queensland at around 11.15pm local time on Tuesday.

French national Smail Ayad, 29, had been charged with the murder of Ms Ayliffe-Chung, two counts of attempted murder, 12 counts of serious assault and one count of serious animal cruelty.

Detectives said the attempted murder charge over the attack on Mr Jackson would be upgraded to murder when he next appeared in court on October 28.

Police have confirmed he shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the attack, but said there is no indication that radicalisation or political motives were involved.

Officers previously said they were investigating whether Ayad had an “obsession” with Ms Ayliffe-Chung.

Shoshana Palatnik, who launched the fundraising appeal, wrote on the page: “Tom Jackson is a hero. He was attacked while selflessly trying to save a woman from being killed.”