Multiple stabbings on a London bound train in Cambridgeshire - 01 Nov 25

[whole diary]

[ChrisB]

Man charged in connection to major incident at Huntingdon station – Cambridgeshire

A man will appear at court this morning (3 November) charged in connection to a major incident on a train Cambridgeshire on Saturday evening (1 November).

Anthony Williams, 32, of Langford Road, Peterborough, is charged with ten counts of attempted murder, one count of ABH (Actual Bodily Harm), and one count of possession of bladed article in connection to the incident at Huntingdon.

He is also charged with another count of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in connection to an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR^▸ (Docklands Light Railway) station on 1 November.

He is due to appear at Peterborough Magistrates' Court later this morning.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: "The criminal investigation and support for the victims is a priority for British Transport Police.”

“Our investigation is also looking at other possible linked offences.  Following the charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service I would stress the importance of not saying or publishing anything which might jeopardise or prejudice ongoing criminal proceedings, or the integrity of the investigation."

[TonyK]

It is beginning to become clear that a member of on train staff has acted selflessly to protect those they have a duty of care toward. I believe the training focuses on avoiding conflict. Just occasionally though the incident is so serious and immediate that there isn't time to talk, just act.

In what must have been a chaotic and horrific environment that bravery is to be applauded. That member of train crew is a hero. I really hope they pull through.

Absolutely agree. The latest report says that the person involved is now in a "critical but stable" condition, which gives cause for cautious optimism.

[chuffed]

From BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) news

Published
4 November 2025, 10:53 GMT
Updated 8 minutes ago
A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been named as Samir Zitouni.

The 48-year-old's actions on the Doncaster to London King's Cross service on Saturday evening were described as "nothing short of heroic".

Mr Zitouni remains "critically unwell" but stable in hospital, British Transport Police said.

Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, was charged on Monday with 10 counts of attempted murder.

Ten people on board the LNER^» (London North Eastern Railway - about) train, which stopped at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, were taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

An eleventh person went to the hospital later.

Six of those have been discharged, four remain in a stable condition.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Train hero who saved passengers during attack named


Samir Zitouni is credited with saving lives on the train

A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been named as Samir Zitouni.

The 48-year-old's actions on the Doncaster to London King's Cross service on Saturday evening were described as "nothing short of heroic". Mr Zitouni remains "critically unwell" but stable in hospital, British Transport Police said.

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder relating to the train stabbing and a count of attempted murder in connection with an attack in London on Saturday.

Mr Zitouni has worked for LNER^» (London North Eastern Railway - about) for more than 20 years.

David Horne, LNER managing director, said: "In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him. His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery."

It is thought Mr Zitouni "blocked" the attacker from stabbing a girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck. In a statement, his family said they were " immensely proud of Sam and his courage".

"The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us he's always been a hero," they said. "We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well-wishes for his recovery. The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible."

On Monday morning, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told BBC Breakfast the bravery he showed was "utterly remarkable" after putting himself "in harm's way".

"There are people who are alive today who wouldn't be… were it not for his actions."

Peter McDonald, the Liberal Democrat chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, also paid tribute to the "extraordinary bravery" shown by Mr Zitouni. He said: "In a moment of great danger, Sam put the safety of others before his own. Thanks to his courage and presence of mind, lives were saved." He further praised the efforts of all the emergency service staff involved and those employed by the train operator and Network Rail.

Ten people on board the LNER train, which stopped at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, were taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital. An eleventh person went to the hospital later. Seven of those have been discharged and four remain in a stable condition, British Transport Police said.

The attack took place on the 18:25 GMT LNER service from Doncaster, South Yorkshire to London's King's Cross station. Passengers said one person brandishing a knife began stabbing people on the train after it passed through Peterborough.

(BBC article continues)

[JayMac]

It is now abundantly clear that human nature, training, selflessness and bravery have all played a part in showing that during a major incident the best of the general public and civilian agencies was on display.

In just eleven minutes from the first call to 999 the suspect was in custody. That was an eleven minutes when many people did everything in their power to protect their fellow human and end the incident. Although not meeting the police description of "terrorism" this was a terrifying experience for those attacked, and those witnessing the attack.

A detailed timeline will no doubt come from the criminal investigation and legal process. That process is underway so speculation about the individual charged should be avoided.

We can though applaud all who acted bravely and selflessly and all who assisted bringing the incident to a swift conclusion.

The Customer Host who tried to stop the attacker.
The passenger who shielded a complete stranger.
The train driver for instigating an immediate move to the slow line and making an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon. That is not a quick and easy process.
The signallers for enabling the move and coordinating with emergency services.
The motorist who prevented a carjacking/hostage situation. And then lit the arrest scene with his headlights to assist police.
The police for their swift response and arrest of an armed suspect.
And countless others, including ambulance services, 999 call handlers, and other railway staff.

All the instinct and training worked together to end the danger as quick as was humanly possible.

That's the incident timeline itself. What happened in the preceding couple of days does raise serious questions for the police to answer.

[ChrisB]

And, I suspect, does the NHS & its mental health care-giving

[Chris from Nailsea]

Thank you, both, for your restraint from speculating.

[grahame]

Cambridge Live reports

The railway worker who bravely tackled an attacker during the Huntingdon train stabbing last Saturday (November 1) has regained consciousness following his coma.

The staff member was left in a critical condition and fighting for his life after tackling the attacker. Samir, also known as Sam, is now in a stable condition and has been able to speak with his wife for the first time since the incident, reports Birmingham Live.

The hero regained consciousness on Thursday (November 6) and has been making significant progress on his road to recovery. Colleague Gemma Royce shared the update on a GoFundMe page set up following the stabbing incident, reports the Mirror.

On the page, which has raised more than £38,000, she wrote: "Sam's family continue to be deeply grateful for all of your kind messages, generosity, and support. His wife has shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday, and she was able to speak with him for a short time.

"This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery. Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness means the world to them."

[TonyK]

That is such good news, and I hope his recovery continues rapidly. His medal should be as big as the frying pan he reportedly used in his attempt to stop the attacker.

[ChrisB]

From the BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)

Returning of property following major incident – Cambridgeshire

Following the major incident on a train in Huntingdon last week, British Transport Police (BTP) are now working to reunite passengers with property which was left behind in the wake of the incident.

Anyone who left property on the train is asked to text BTP on 61016, or call 0800 40 50 40, quoting the reference 153 of 2 November.

They should state which seat and carriage they were in and describe the property in as much detail as possible.

An appointment will then be made to collect the property in person at BTP offices in either Peterborough or London. The location will be confirmed when an appointment is made.

Please note that while officers are trying to complete this work as quickly as possible, we're not able to say at this stage when an appointment will be made.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible for items to be sent by post, nor will we be able to return any items to anyone without an appointment.

We’re grateful for the patience and understanding of those who were travelling while this work is carried out.

[ChrisB]

One might hope that, in the circumstances, LNER^» (London North Eastern Railway - about) might provide free travel to those BTP^▸ (British Transport Police) locations to collect their items, on proof of the appointment

[Chris from Nailsea]

One might hope that, in the circumstances, LNER^» (London North Eastern Railway - about) might provide free travel to those BTP^▸ (British Transport Police) locations to collect their items, on proof of the appointment

That's *exactly* why you do take out travel insurance. It wasn't Ryanair's fault....

It wasn't LNER's fault, either.

[ChrisB]

fair point, that.

[Chris from Nailsea]

An update, from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Watchdog examines assault linked to train stabbings



The police watchdog is investigating a force's handling of an alleged attack in Peterborough and its possible link with the mass stabbings on a train.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it was looking at a complaint from a man who said he was attacked by someone with a knife in Fletton, in the city, on 27 September.

Ricky Butcher, 35, told the BBC he suffered facial injuries while waiting for a taxi outside The Fletton Club with a group of people.

Cambridgeshire Police has already been reviewing its prior contact with the man suspected of stabbing people on the Doncaster to London King's Cross train on 1 November, which was stopped at Huntingdon.

The force referred itself on Monday over the Fletton incident, the IOPC said.

IOPC director Emily Barry said her teams had been working closely with the force to "ensure that any complaints or conduct matters identified in its review are referred to us. We will keep the complainant and the force updated as our investigation progresses," she added.

Police have confirmed they are reviewing whether the Fletton incident is connected with the train attacks.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We understand from the complaint that police were called by a member of the public to a report of a man armed with a knife. Prior to the police arriving the complainant reports he was punched by the man leaving him with facial lacerations. Police attended and spoke with the complainant however, the suspect had left the scene before officers arrived, and no arrest was made at the time."

Meanwhile, British Transport Police has linked the train attacks suspect with two incidents in which a man entered a barbers' shop in Peterborough earlier that weekend - as well as the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy.

Anthony Williams, 32, has appeared in court charged with 11 counts of attempted murder over the Huntingdon incident and a second stabbing in east London.

[Chris from Nailsea]

Breaking news, from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Train worker who saved passengers from stabbings leaves hospital

A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been discharged from hospital.

Samir Zitouni was a member of the catering crew on the Doncaster to London King's Cross service on the evening of 1 November when an attacker struck as it passed through Cambridgeshire. The 48-year-old was one of 11 people treated for their injuries.

In a statement released by the British Transport Police (BTP^▸ (British Transport Police)), his family said: "We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam's brave actions on the night of the attack."

The BTP has already described his actions as "nothing short of heroic". Last week, the force said he remained "critically unwell" but stable at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Mr Zitouni has been credited with blocking the attack suspect from stabbing a girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck.