British backpacker, 25, 'stabbed in the back by teenager at Australian resort'

A 25-year-old British backpacker was stabbed in the back by a teenager at an Australian resort, local media report.

Police were called to Noosa, on the Queensland coast, early on Sunday.

An argument is believed to have developed just before 4 a.m. on Hastings Street, officers said.

The 15-year-old attacker then left the scene – apparently a bus stop – and returned with a knife and a bottle, stabbing the man in the back and wrist, Queensland Police said.

Although media reports claimed the victim was British, police did not confirm his nationality.

The suspect was stopped by members of the public before being arrested and subsequently charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The victim was seriously injured and taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital, ABC News reported.

He is expected to be released Monday, 7 News reported.

Mandy Lopez, who lives in Noosa, said the attack was “horrific” and “pretty scary news to hear”.

She told ABC: “It's a healthy space… It's definitely a safe zone. But hearing this news, I feel quite shaken.”

Queensland Police said in a statement: “Police allege a verbal argument between a 15-year-old man and a 25-year-old man escalated just before 4am, before the youth left and returns with a bottle and a knife and a medical examination “The altercation resulted in stab wounds to the 25-year-old young man's back and wrist.”

The force added: “Bystanders restrained the 15-year-old boy until police arrived and arrested him. The 15-year-old was charged with assault causing bodily harm.

“Investigators are urging anyone with relevant information or insight to contact police. Inquiries are continuing.”