Queensland police are keeping an open mind as they investigate a fatal stabbing of a British woman at a hostel, despite the alleged offender making comments of an "extremist" nature.
Police were called to the hostel on Ninth St in Home Hill around 11:15pm on Tuesday (local time) following a report someone had been stabbed.
When officers arrived, they arrested a 29-year-old French man and found a 21-year-old woman dead, and a 30-year-old British man in a critical condition.
Another man, a 46-year-old local, received non-life threatening injuries and has since been released from hospital. A dog at the hostel was fatally injured in the incident.
Deputy Commissioner Steve Gollschewski says the man in custody is believed to have acted alone, was visiting Australia and had no local connections.
The investigation is still in its early stages, however they're looking into comments the man made which "may be construed of being of an extremist nature".
Australian police earlier said the man was heard to say "Allahu Akbar" - an Islamic phrase translating to "God is greatest".
"While this information will be factored into the investigation we are not ruling out any motivations at this early stage whether they be political or criminal," Cmmr Gollschewski says.
"Investigators will also consider whether mental health or drug misuse are factors in this incident."
Police say there's no continuing threat to the community and they aren't looking for anyone else in relation to the attack.
Newshub.
