Female teacher, 25, is slashed in the face and repeatedly stabbed at a remote school 'by a stranger who knocked on her door asking for water'
A young female teacher has suffered serious injuries to her face, arms, legs and stomach after an alleged frenzied knife attack at her home.
Rachel Middleton, 25, had been at the school staff housing in Lockhart River, in Far North Queensland, on Tuesday night when a man knocked on her door asking for water.
After giving the man some water, police allege he unleashed a brutal attack on her, slashing her face and stabbing her abdomen.
A neighbour who came to help was also allegedly assaulted before the man ran off.
Rachel Middleton, 25, had been at the local school staff housing in Lockhart River, in Far North Queensland, on Tuesday night when a man came to her home to ask for water
Ms Middleton, who is originally from Brisbane, has lived in Lockhart River for several years
Both women were rushed to hospital, Ms Middleton has since been transferred to Cairns Hospital for treatment.
Plastic surgeons are evaluating her injuries, The Australian reported.
Ms Middleton, who is originally from Brisbane, has lived in Lockhart River for several years.
She reportedly lives with her fiance but he was not home at the time of the alleged attack.
Mayor of Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council, Wayne Butcher told the ABC Ms Middleton had loved living in the remote area, but he now fears she will never return.
He said the attack would mean the community would likely struggle to attract teachers to the area.
Ms Middleton was rushed to hospital and has since been transferred to Cairns Hospital for treatment
She reportedly lives with her fiance at the school housing but he was not home at the time of the alleged attack
Queensland's Department of Education said they will be increasing security in the area.
'The department strongly condemns violence against any staff or community members,' a spokesperson said.
'Additional security officers are being sent to Lockhart River, and a full security review of all teacher residences in Lockhart River has already commenced.
'The department's thoughts and best wishes are with the teacher and her family for a speedy recovery.'
Police believe the alleged attack is linked to an influx of alcohol into the dry community.
There are now fears the area will struggle to recruit teachers to the area (pictured: Lockhart State School)
Mr Butcher also blames alcohol for a spike in crime in the area.
'Car loads of alcohol are coming into the community because people have extra money — it is damaging the community. Domestic violence is going through the roof and now this has happened,' he said.
Michael Ronald Giblet, 26, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and common assault.
He appeared in Cairns Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he was remanded in custody and is expected to reappear in court at a later date.