A British backpacker in an Australian beach resort has been stabbed in the back by a teenager armed with a bottle and knife, according to local media reports.
Police were called to Hastings Street in Noosa on the Queensland coast in the early hours of Sunday after the man, 25, was allegedly attacked by a boy, 15, following an argument.
The teenager had left the scene, reportedly a bus stop, but returned with a bottle and a knife before stabbing the victim in the back and wrist, Queensland Police said.
The victim was a British national and was taken to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital with serious injuries, ABC reported.
Queensland Police have not confirmed the man’s nationality. He is expected to be discharged on Monday, 7 News said.
Chief Inspector Jason Overland told local reporters that the attack was “an outlier event”.
“The Sunshine Coast is a very safe location … These sorts of events are rare,” he said, according to ABC.
The suspect was detained by members of the public before being arrested by police.
A Queensland Police statement said: “Police are investigating following an alleged wounding in Hastings Street, Noosa, this morning, July 16.
“Police will allege a verbal argument between a 15-year-old male and a 25-year-old man escalated just before 4am, before the youth left and returned with a bottle and a knife and a physical altercation resulted in the 25-year-old being stabbed in the back and wrist.
“Bystanders restrained the 15-year-old boy until police arrived, arresting him.
“The 15-year-old has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.
“Investigators urge anyone with information or relevant vision to contact police.
“Investigations are continuing.”
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: “We have not been approached for consular assistance, but our staff stand ready to support British nationals overseas 24/7.”
