AKIPRESS.COM - A British backpacker was allegedly raped, assaulted and choked during a two-month hostage ordeal in Australia, BBCreported.

The woman, 22, was subjected to attacks in locations across the vast state of Queensland, police say.

The ordeal ended on Sunday when police stopped a vehicle being driven by the woman, after she failed to pay for petrol, and saw she had face injuries.

An Australian man who appeared to be hiding was arrested in the back of the vehicle, police said.

Detective Inspector Paul Hart told reporters that the woman had gone through a "horrific and terrifying" experience , and that officers "potentially saved this young girl's life".

Authorities allege the pair met three months ago in Cairns, in Far North Queensland, and began a relationship before agreeing to go on a road trip.

Police say "at some point that [relationship] had soured" and the woman was held against her will. It is alleged she was repeatedly attacked between 2 January and 5 March.

She appeared distressed when the 4x4 was pulled over on a routine stop on the Warrego Highway at Mitchell, more than 1,000km (620 miles) south of Cairns, police said.