Huntingdon train stabbings: LNER worker Samir Zitouni
We now know the name of the LNER staff member credited with saving lives on Saturday’s 18:25 Doncaster to London King’s Cross service: 48-year-old Samir Zitouni. His family and colleagues say he stepped in to protect passengers; British Transport Police (BTP) say he remains critically unwell but stable in hospital. As we write, support from across the rail community continues to reach his family.
Police and prosecutors have confirmed charges against a 32-year-old man, Anthony Williams. He faces ten counts of attempted murder linked to the train attack, plus one count of attempted murder over an earlier stabbing at London’s Pontoon Dock DLR station. He is also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. Williams appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday 3 November and was remanded ahead of a 1 December Crown Court hearing.
Here is the timeline investigators have set out. The first 999 call came at 19:42 GMT on Saturday 1 November. Within eight minutes, armed officers boarded the train after it made an emergency stop at Huntingdon. That stop was possible because the driver diverted onto a platformed line-standard emergency practice designed to get help to you faster.
Hospitals reported changing numbers through Sunday as clinicians reassessed injuries. Ten people were taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, with an eleventh patient later self-presenting. By Monday night, six people had been discharged and five remained in hospital; the injured staff member was described as critical but stable.
Passengers have told reporters that a member of staff put himself between the attacker and a young girl, suffering serious head and neck wounds. Accounts like these match what investigators say they’ve seen on CCTV: actions that “undoubtedly saved people’s lives”. When you hear officials use that language, it’s because they’ve reviewed evidence from the train.
Who investigates what, and why? On Britain’s railways the national lead is BTP, which holds primacy for rail incidents. Local forces respond too-on Saturday, armed Cambridgeshire officers boarded the train and made arrests. Separately, Cambridgeshire Police say earlier local incidents are being reviewed for learning; the Police and Crime Commissioner has called for scrutiny, though a self-referral to the watchdog was not taken forward. This is how multi-agency policing works around the rail network.
Detectives are now linking a number of events: a stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough at 19:10 on Friday 31 October, two reports of a man with a knife at a barbers in the city, and a separate attack in the early hours at Pontoon Dock DLR in London. Counter-terrorism officers supported early checks, but the case is not being treated as terrorism. This helps you understand the language you’ll hear in updates over the coming days.
Ministers have praised the emergency response and the bravery of rail staff and passengers. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, has ruled out airport-style metal detectors at stations-saying they would make rail travel unworkable-and noted that the rail network records roughly 27 crimes per million journeys. Expect more patrols for reassurance while a security review runs.
Quick explainer on the charges you’re seeing: attempted murder requires proof that a suspect intended to kill, even if the victim survived. Actual bodily harm covers assaults causing injuries that are more than “transient and trifling”. Possession of a bladed article in a public place is an offence unless you have a lawful reason, such as for work. These are the standards prosecutors use.
What to do if something serious happens on a train. If there’s immediate danger, dial 999. If it’s non‑emergency and you need to report discreetly, text BTP on 61016 with the time, service and what you’re seeing. If you can’t get a signal, use the emergency handle or a platform help point once stopped. Campaigns like “See it. Say it. Sorted.” exist to support you in making that call.
If you’re first on the scene and it’s safe, simple first aid can help. Call 999. For heavy bleeding, press firmly on the wound with clothing or a clean dressing and keep pressure on until help arrives. Do not remove embedded objects-pad around them. Trained responders will take over quickly once they reach the carriage.
A final word on responsible reporting and sharing. BTP has asked the public and media not to share speculation or material that could prejudice court proceedings. As we follow developments, we’ll focus on verified updates from official sources and independent reporting, and we’ll keep this piece updated for teachers and students who are using it to learn how UK policing and emergency response work.