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Backpacker Chris Porter, from High Halstow, faces deportation from Australia after friend Mia Ayliffe-Chung was stabbed to death

By: Jenni Horn jhorn@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 00:01, 22 November 2016

Updated: 08:44, 22 November 2016

A Medway backpacker who was injured when he was caught up in a knife attack which left two dead now faces deportation.

Chris Porter, from High Halstow, leapt from the window of the Australian hostel during the frenzied attack in August.

His friend Mia Ayliffe-Chung was stabbed to death and another backpacker, Tom Jackson, later died of his injuries.

Chris Porter, 21

Chris broke both his ankles when he jumped to safety from the hostel window. His injuries meant he could not complete the 88 days farm work required to extend his visa.

As a result, Chris faces deportation from Australia in January.

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A petition has been started, calling for "brave hero" Chris to be allowed to stay. It has more than 700 signatures so far.

It states: "Chris Porter bravely raced around Home Farm, Australia warning people to barricade themselves from danger on the night that Mia Ayliffe-Chung was murdered and Tom Jackson fatally wounded.

"We feel that Chris' heroic acts have not been truly appreciated and in recognition, he should be granted a visa extension.

"Please support our petition to request Australian Immigration services recognise this exceptional case and extend Chris' visa for a further year."

Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21

His mum Kim Porter is among those who has signed it.

She wrote: "What my boy Chris has witnessed will stay with him for the rest of his life. I feel he really needs this extra year to come to terms with the loss of his dear friend Mia . Please give him this opportunity."

His sister Chloe Porter wrote: "Because no one should ever have to experience what my brother did in that dreadful night, witnessing the terrible things that he did, running for his life and loosing his friends the way he did.

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"It's terrible that he has not been supported more in his time of need and is actually having to fight for this."

After the attack, Chris came back to the UK to see his family but then he returned to Australia and has been working in a nightclub.

Chris Porter with Mia Ayliffe-Chung

His friend Monika Niceski said Chris has been trying hard to get his life in Australia back on track and another said Chris feels as if the Gold Coast is now his home.

Before setting of on his backpacking adventure, Chris was employed at The Red Dog pub in High Halstow as the chef.

His friends in the village are among those who have signed the petition.

Kayleigh Edgar said: "Chris is a good guy and doesn't deserve what the Australian government are further putting him through after what he's already experienced."

Smail Ayad, 29, has been charged with two counts of murder and awaits trial.

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