A 32-year-old man accused of stabbing 10 people on a train has been charged with further offences related to the day before the attack.

British Transport Police (BTP) said Anthony Williams, of no fixed abode, had been charged with seven other offences, including two counts of attempted murder, after an investigation.

Mr Williams is already charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in relation to a mass stabbing on a Doncaster to London King's Cross service on the evening of 1 November, which stopped in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

BTP said the further charges related to alleged incidents in Peterborough, Stevenage, and on a train travelling between Hitchin and Biggleswade on 31 October.

Mr Williams is due to appear at Peterborough Magistrates' Court later, charged with the following:

• Attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough
• Attempted grievous bodily harm of a 28-year-old man at Viersen Platz in Peterborough
• Attempted murder of a 22-year-old man near Pleasure Fair Meadow Road in Peterborough
• Affray and possession of a bladed article in connection to an alleged incident at Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough
• Theft of knives from an Asda supermarket in Stevenage
• Common assault of a 31-year-old man onboard a train travelling between Hitchin and Biggleswade.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, for BTP, said the investigation into the Huntingdon incident "had also focused on other offences previously reported to police or identified by our investigation".

"We have worked closely with our colleagues in Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police, alongside the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring these charges," he said.

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), 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.

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.

One might hope that, in the circumstances, LNER might provide free travel to those BTP 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....

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.

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."

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 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)

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.

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 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."

British Transport Police held an emergency exercise for press officers in March, which ironically involved a stabbing on a train travelling south near Huntingdon.

In the training drill, the train stopped immediately between stations when a passenger pulled the emergency cord.

It took police 25 minutes to reach the train and casualties, far longer than the eight minutes in which Cambridgeshire firearms officers reached the scene at Huntingdon station.

Awful news...... but, the driver of that train deserves huge praise.  Exemplary response that potentially saved lives.   

Agreed....but you try getting any uniformed officers out of Avon and Somerset HQ in Portishead between 4pm Friday and 8am  Monday.......

Train driver whose quick thinking saved lives is Iraq War veteran

LNER worker praised for making emergency stop at Huntingdon station moments after knife rampage began

The train driver whose quick actions helped save the lives of passengers in Saturday night’s knife attack is a Royal Navy and Iraq War veteran, The Telegraph can reveal.

Andrew Johnson, from Peterborough, diverted the London-bound train to Huntingdon station within minutes of being alerted to the mass stabbing, allowing armed police to respond.

Mr Johnson, who has been working as a train driver since 2018, is understood to have served in the Royal Navy for 17 years and was deployed to Iraq in 2003 during the second Gulf War.

He is understood to have ended his career as a Chief Petty Officer and having worked as a weapons engineer.

During the Iraq War, Mr Johnson is believed to have served aboard a ship tasked with clearing mines in the Tigris river.

Despite having left the Navy and becoming a train driver, Mr Johnson still regularly supports his former servicemen and was fundraising for the Royal British Legion in his local Waitrose just days before Saturday’s attack.

The 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to King’s Cross had departed Peterborough station at 7.30pm when the knife attack began.

Witnesses said people attempting to flee found that they ran out of train as others barricaded themselves in the toilets.

Train seats were soaked with blood during a scene that felt “like something from a film”, one passenger said.

Fellow train staff and members of the public have pointed out that the incident could have been even more serious were it not for the actions of the train’s driver.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said Mr Johnson had acted heroically.

“He’s a nice guy. I’ve known him for a while,” he told The Telegraph. “If he did the right thing and stopped the train, that’s a massive thing and he’s probably helped save some people’s lives.

“It’s a pretty bold thing to do. You don’t know what’s going on [in the carriage] if you’re a train driver.”

Mr Johnson is “shaken up” but receiving support, Nigel Roebuck, the North East organiser for rail union Aslef, said on Sunday evening.

“He’s good... he was clearly shaken up, you know,” Mr Roebuck told Sky News. “And obviously we didn’t kind of get too into detail about things.

“We just basically said you know where we are if you need us, the lines are open for us. And I think LNER have probably done the same with him.

“So he’s getting a great level of support, and that’s good, all we can do is make sure that he’s looked after.”

The Class 800 Azuma LNER service was scheduled to travel through Huntingdon at 125mph on a fast track that does not have access to a platform.

Olly Foster, who was on board at the time, said the first thing he knew of the attack was a passenger who ran past shouting: “Run, run, run... there’s a guy stabbing literally everyone and everything.”

Within minutes, LNER staff had declared an emergency, alerting passengers to the jeopardy through the train’s tannoy system.

The driver, crew and signallers diverted the train from its inner rail track to Huntingdon station’s platform-side rail so that emergency services could rapidly board.

It stopped in Huntingdon just 14 minutes after departing Peterborough, where armed police officers, paramedics and an air ambulance were ready to respond.

A taxi driver waiting at the station said the attacker, who was carrying a large kitchen knife, shouted “kill me, kill me” as he was tasered and wrestled to the ground by police.

Viorel Turturica, 42, told The Daily Mail: “A man dressed in black holding a huge kitchen knife in his hand runs past my car at 7.47pm. The police arrived seconds later and I could hear him shouting ‘kill me, kill me, kill me’ to them.

“They then Taser him, and as soon as he is down they say to him drop your weapon’,” he added.

Two British men were detained and are being held by police on suspicion of attempted murder. In total, 11 people were taken to hospital for their injuries and two of them remain in a life-threatening condition.

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, praised the “exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train”.

On Sunday, the RMT rail union also hailed the train’s staff for their role during the “horrific mass stabbing incident”.

Eddie Dempsey, the union’s general secretary, said: “I want to commend the professionalism, bravery and steadfastness of all the railway workers involved from the train crew to the driver and our members in operations, who quickly assisted in diverting the King’s Cross bound train into Huntingdon station, allowing the police and emergency services to take swift action.”

Mr Dempsey added: “I will be seeking urgent meetings with government, rail employers and police to ensure that we have the strongest possible support, resources and robust procedures in place to protect our members and the travelling public.”