Home Hill hostel stabbing: 'Hero' British backpacker dies in hospital

British backpacker Tom Jackson has died in hospital a week after he was critically injured in a stabbing attack at the Home Hill hostel in north Queensland.

Queensland Police confirmed the 30-year-old died in Townsville Hospital, following a week-long fight for his life.

Mr Jackson was stabbed repeatedly when he tried to intervene as fellow British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, was stabbed to death.

French national Smail Ayad has been charged with murder, attempted murder, 12 counts of assault and animal cruelty after the attack at Shelley’s Backpackers a week ago. 

Queensland Police said they would upgrade the charges in response to Mr Jackson’s death.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in the "eyes of the community, he is a hero".

"He went to someone's aid - a good Samaritan - and I'm quite sure he will be remembered by his family and friends and by Queenslanders for his heroic actions," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Mr Jackson's sister, Liv, says she bade farewell to her "wonderful" brother with the "heaviest of hearts".

"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," Ms King wrote on her Facebook page today.

"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 brought 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."

Mr Jackson’s father Les had flown to Townsville from the UK and was keeping a vigil at his son’s bedside.

He thanked the community for their generous support, on a crowd funding page set up by a family friend to assist the family.

"We are bereft. Our darling Tom has left us and the world is a poorer place. Thanks again everyone for the love and support you have given s over the last few days, we will be forever grateful," he wrote.

The hostel’s owner John Norris yesterday revealed the frenzied stabbing rampage had lasted "hours".

"It started just after 11pm and probably went through until 2am-2.30am," Mr Norris said.

"They were told to get into the room and lock themselves in there".

The alleged attacker was due to check out that morning and return to his hometown in France, hostel staff said.

The hostel’s manager Grant Scholz, 46, was stabbed while trying to protect Mr Jackson and Ms Ayliffe-Chung, and required more than 100 stitches.

"I've never come across anything like it. And I hope I don't again," Mr Scholz told 9NEWS.

He had previously given Mr Ayad the nickname "Smiley" and said he was shocked beyond belief.

"He's the last person I expected to do anything like that".

A dog was also killed in the attack, which was witnessed by about 30 people.

Police allege Mr Ayad yelled "Allahu Akbar" - an Islamic phrase meaning "God is great" - during the attack and again during his arrest.

Mr Ayad is also accused of assaulting police officers, allegedly biting one of them, as he was transported from Townsville Hospital to the watch house last week.