A British father of two who moved to Australia just months ago to give his family a “better life” has been stabbed to death in a motel car park.
Horrified witnesses heard Royce Mallett, 30, from Haswell, County Durham, screaming “help, help” as an attacker plunged a knife “into his heart” in Albury, New South Wales.
A woman staying at the motel, who gave her name only as Michelle, said a bystander tried to apply pressure to the stab wound while she was speaking to emergency services.
The family man was rushed to Albury Hospital where he sadly later passed away. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old suspect fled on foot before being arrested by police less than two hours later.
Mr Mallett’s heartbroken family, who are preparing to fly to Australia, are now trying to raise £20,000 to help repatriate his body to the UK, which they say could take some months.
Royce Mallett, 30, was stabbed to death in Australia leaving behind his partner and two young children (pictured)
The British father of two had recently moved to Australia in search of a better life for his family.
His mother, Felicity Mallet, who is in “total shock”, said her late son was expected to return to the UK in five weeks along with his five-year-old daughter Rose and son Roman, who turns two in a few weeks.
Witness Michelle, who was left shaken by the tragedy, told Border Mail: “I heard a commotion and came out. There were a few people around, a guy was trying to (apply pressure to the wound).
“As far as I know, what led up to this, he was sitting in his car with a friend, no matter what happened, this guy has it in his heart.”
He added that the man who was arrested had been staying at the motel for two to three weeks and had previously been seen hanging around the area. Mallett was said to have stayed at the hotel from time to time.
Others who witnessed the horrific incident cried as they tried to help Mr Mallett.
Now Mr Mallet’s family are desperately trying to raise funds to bring him back to the UK.
A GoFundMe page said: “Royce was a kind, good-hearted man who came to Australia to make a better life for his family. He was an amazing father to his two young children, who adored their father.
“Words cannot describe how heartbroken we all are as a family, and we just want our Royce to come home where he belongs.”
Tributes to Mr Mallett have flooded social media since the shocking news of his death broke.
The family man (pictured) was rushed to Albury Hospital but tragically died there.
His friend Robbie Matthews added: “Absolutely devastating news. Sleep well Royce Mallett. To think you had gone to Australia in search of a better life.”
Superintendent Paul Smith said the two men were believed to have known each other.
He said: “We are in a very unfortunate situation. We have a 30-year-old man deceased. We have a man in custody who is assisting us with our enquiries. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this offence.”
Officers are seeking CCTV footage of the man arrested at Wodonga Place, Dean Street and Olive Street, where he was arrested. Police did not reveal whether a knife had been recovered.
Any witnesses are urged to contact police.