Cheshire East Council pays tribute to hero Tom

Cheshire East Council Leader Rachel Bailey has paid tribute to hero Tom Jackson who died after trying to save a fellow backpacker as she was stabbed to death in Australia.

The authority is flying its flags at half mast as a mark of respect to the 30-year-old from Congleton, who was fatally injured while trying to save the life of Mia Ayliffe Chung, 21, in the attack at a tourist hostel in Queensland on August  23. Tom died on August 30.

Councillor Rachel Bailey said: “Thomas Jackson paid the ultimate price for a selfless act putting his life on the line to try to save a vulnerable young woman from a violent attack.

“Cheshire East Council pays tribute to his bravery and sends our deepest condolences to his family and friends.

“The Council will now be looking at ways to honour and commemorate Tom’s bravery and selfless sacrifice.”

Frenchman Smail Ayad, 29, has been charged with murder and attempted murder and is due to appear before an Australian magistrates’ court next month.