Major Incident at Huntingdon (01/11/2025)

[WesternLancer]

And just now BBC Radio 4 news I noted specifically did not state the member of staff in life threatening condition was ‘the guard’.
Think they used the description of on train staff.

 

[Darandio]

Some of the latest stuff on the live page just referred to them as a 'train worker'. Earlier they a specific reporter on the feed called them a 'guard'.

In the grand scheme of things it's irrelevant to me and most other people I imagine. It seems their actions were heroic no matter their job title. We split hairs on this forum too often at times.

 

[WesternLancer]

Some of the latest stuff on the live page just referred to them as a 'train worker'. Earlier they a specific reporter on the feed called them a 'guard'.

In the grand scheme of things it's irrelevant to me and most other people I imagine. It seems their actions were heroic no matter their job title. We split hairs on this forum too often at times.

Agreed.
But I think the point isn’t about what the correct job description is.
The point is that reporters don’t know so are probably just making an assumption or making it up / guessing.

Sorry that may not have been clear from my post.

 

[Tom B]

In the eyes (ears) of an average person listening to the news, "the guard" is probably universally understood more than "senior conductor" or whatever their actual job title may be.

 

[bramling]

In the eyes (ears) of an average person listening to the news, "the guard" is probably universally understood more than "senior conductor" or whatever their actual job title may be.

I’ve got the impression recently that younger people in particular now seem to view the title “guard” as something rather different to what we all know it as. They seem to see it as some kind of security role. I’ve heard many people say stuff like “My ticket didn’t work so I had the get the guard to let me through”, which seems to suggest that a lot of people see the title as being a generic one that applies to railway staff in general.

All somewhat cringeworthy, but it is what it is, unfortunately.

 

[IanMac]

I think LNER trains have a Train Manager.

 

[185143]

I think LNER trains have a Train Manager.

They do.

Think it was Virgin who changed that, East Coast definitely used "Train Guard" right until the end.

As a member of railway staff, people will refer to any staff as "guard" or "driver" regardless of their actual role. Complaints being directed towards me about "the drivers who checked our tickets at the turnstiles" is sadly one I've had more than once! Then again, if I was to go into all the stupid stuff passengers have said to me...

 

[Horizon22]

Some of the latest stuff on the live page just referred to them as a 'train worker'. Earlier they a specific reporter on the feed called them a 'guard'.

In the grand scheme of things it's irrelevant to me and most other people I imagine. It seems their actions were heroic no matter their job title. We split hairs on this forum too often at times.

It does say, and I quote, "the train guard".

It does appear to be clumsily worded. It stays in the screenshot “the train guard - who is still unnamed - and”

The “and” is critical as that appears to be referring to the staff member who is sadly in a critical condition, not the guard.

 

[saismee]

They do.

Think it was Virgin who changed that, East Coast definitely used "Train Guard" right until the end.

As a member of railway staff, people will refer to any staff as "guard" or "driver" regardless of their actual role. Complaints being directed towards me about "the drivers who checked our tickets at the turnstiles" is sadly one I've had more than once! Then again, if I was to go into all the stupid stuff passengers have said to me...

At my TOC, our uniform is all identical and our name badges just say "Customer Service" so I can see why passengers know no different. Some staff even work hybrid roles so can cross-cover platform host, ticket office, or even gateline.

 

[AlterEgo]

It does appear to be clumsily worded. It stays in the screenshot “the train guard - who is still unnamed - and”

The “and” is critical as that appears to be referring to the staff member who is sadly in a critical condition, not the guard.

The "and" there means it is all talking about the same person.

"Mo Salah - Liverpool's most important forward - and a Ballon d'Or nominee, has had a poor start to the season" is all talking about Mo Salah.

 

[norbitonflyer]

The "and" there means it is all talking about the same person.

"Mo Salah - Liverpool's most important forward - and a Ballon d'Or nominee, has had a poor start to the season" is all talking about Mo Salah.

It's not the "and", but the verb ("remains"/ "has" in the singular), tjhat makes it clear the subject of the sentence must be singular too. If the guard and the person raising the alarm (or Mr salah and the nominee) were two different people, the verb would be plural - "remain"/ "have" .

 

[Tio Terry]

BBC News says the heroic railworker was a "Steward".

 

[ainsworth74]

I think it's probably time to temporarily pause proceedings on this thread now that we're starting to get some more information about was happened but we're entering the phase where we need to wait for the officials to do their jobs.

As further updates come through feel free to report this post and we'll look at reopening or providing those updates.

In the interim my thoughts are with the LNER staff member whose bravery at severe personal risk appears to have saved lives on Saturday night. Latest report I've seen is that they're still critical but now at least stable.

Finally thank you for all your contributions. It was a very swift flowing thread on Saturday evening and the Forum was a far more informative and useful source of information than you found elsewhere on Social Media.

Thank you also for the various kinds words as well

 

[ainsworth74]

A few quick updates from the last little while. 800111 has now departed Huntingdon heading north destination currently unknown meanwhile the attacker has now been charged and named by the police:

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."

https://www.btp.police.uk/news/btp/news/england/man-charged-in-connection-to-major-incident-at-huntingdon-station--cambridgeshire/

It's been reported elsewhere that the ABH charge relates to an assault on a police officer in the custody suite.

 

[ainsworth74]

A few more updates.

800111 has been sent to Doncaster Carr IEP depot where it arrived earlier this morning.

Nottingham Forrest have put out the following statement regarding fans that were travelling on the train:

Nottingham Forest Football Club wishes to express its deepest concern and heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the shocking attack on an LNER train bound for London yesterday evening.

Many of our London-based supporters were travelling home on that train following our match at the City Ground, and our thoughts are very much with everyone caught up in such a distressing incident.

The Club is aware that many individuals demonstrated extraordinary bravery which undoubtedly helped prevent even greater harm.The entire Nottingham Forest family stands firmly behind them as they recover from the events of yesterday.

Evangelos Marinakis, Nottingham Forest’s owner, said:

“Everyone at Nottingham Forest is shocked and deeply saddened by what happened. The courage and selflessness shown by our supporters on that train represents the very best of humanity and the very best of our club’s community.

“We will make sure any supporter caught up in this incident receives whatever financial support they require to enable them to access the best possible medical care as they recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.”

https://x.com/nffc/status/1985014039802683701

Regarding the attacker himself he has now appeared at Peterborough magistrates court and has been remanded pending a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December (the matter is obviously far to serious to be heard at the Magistrates, but all cases start there, this was in effect simply a procedural hearing).

The charge sheet appears to be as follows (via the BBC Live page):

• Ten counts of attempted murder following a stabbing attack on a train in Cambridgeshire on Saturday
  
  
• Actual bodily harm in connection to an alleged assault on a police officer in a custody suite, following the train attack
  
  
• One count of possession of bladed article in connection to the incident in Cambridgeshire
  
  
• Another count of attempted murder in a separate incident at Pontoon Dock Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station, London, in the early hours of Saturday

• Another count of possession of a bladed article in connection to the incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station

The assault on the police officer appears to have resulted in a broken nose for the officer in question. Hopefully they'll make a swift recovery.

Cambridgeshire Police have made a statement outlining various potentially linked incidents:

Cambridgeshire Police are reviewing three further incidents in Peterborough on Friday 31 October and the morning of Saturday 1 November to establish whether there is a connection between them and the Huntingdon train attack on Saturday evening.

Friday evening: A man seen with a knife at a barbers in Fletton, Peterborough

• Police say this happened at 19:25 GMT on Friday but was reported to them at 21:10 - two hours after the incident occurred
• They add that at the time of the report the man was no longer there so they did not send officers, but a "crime was raised"

Saturday morning: A second incident reported by barbers

• This was reported to police at 09:25 on Saturday, again by the barbers in Fletton, while the man was still at the scene. Officers were deployed to the location and arrived within 18 minutes
• Following a search, officers were unable to locate the man or identify him and another "crime was raised"

Friday evening: A 14-year-old stabbed by a man with a knife

• Police are also investigating whether a third incident in which a 14-year-old was stabbed by a man is linked to the train attacks
• They say this happened at 19:10 on Friday, the victim was taken to Peterborough City Hospital with minor injuries and later discharged
• The offender had left the scene when the call was made and despite a search of the area by officers and a police dog, the offender was not identified. A "crime was raised" and an investigation commenced, with "scenes of crime attending"

In the statement, Cambridgeshire Police add:

"We are currently reviewing all incidents in the timeframe to understand whether there were any further potential offences.

"British Transport Police retain primacy for the overall investigation, which will include these three incidents.

"We voluntarily referred ourselves to the IOPC for independent scrutiny of these incidents, as is standard practice in these cases."

I'm not aware of any updates regarding the injured member of LNER staff but hopefully their recovery is progressing now that they're stable.

Thanks to various people who have provided updates and suggestions for updates. If there are further things that people feel are relevant again please report this post and let us know.

 

[ainsworth74]

There's been a further statement by LNER and the driver of 1Y90:

The LNER driver involved in Saturday's incident at Huntingdon has spoken after being praised for his actions.

Working with teams in the Rail Operating Centre in York, Andrew Johnson contacted a signaller, who took immediate action to divert Saturday’s (1 November 2025) 18:25 service between Doncaster and London King’s Cross from its usual route, following a serious incident onboard.

Andrew called upon his near twenty-year driving experience to request an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station, allowing police to access the train and apprehend a violent suspect.
Before joining the railway, Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 17-years.

LNER drivers undergo more than 300 hours of classroom and practical training before becoming operational on the railway. Once qualified, they are regularly assessed, with a two-year cycle of rigorous competency checks.

Andrew said: “As train drivers, we hold a lot of responsibility. We practise our emergency response and keep up to date with our knowledge of the route, so if needed, we know exactly where to stop and what to do.”

He continued: “The action I took is the same as any other driver. I think my colleagues onboard were the real heroes and I’d like to pay tribute to their bravery.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Andrew’s actions are testament to the expertise and skills he has built over his career, both on the railway and in the military. The intensive training undertaken by our drivers means they are always ready to respond in any situation.

“We’re grateful to Andrew, our onboard colleagues, the signaller, and the station team at Huntingdon, for their actions on Saturday. Our thoughts remain with our colleague in hospital.

Statement from LNER driver involved in Huntingdon incident | LNER

www.lner.co.uk

 

[Mag_seven]

The member of onboard staff who is still in hospital and still critically ill has been named as Samir Zitouni

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.

Train hero who saved passengers during attack named

The rail worker credited with saving multiple lives is named as Samir Zitouni.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[ainsworth74]

LNER and family statement about Samir's heroism:

The extraordinary bravery of the LNER colleague who was seriously injured in Saturday’s (1 November 2025) incident at Huntingdon station, has been recognised.

Samir Zitouni, who is 48 and known to many as Sam, has been a valued member of the LNER team for over 20-years, working onboard as a Customer Experience Host. His role is dedicated to supporting customers.

On the evening of the incident, Sam was working onboard the 18:25 Doncaster to London King’s Cross service, when customers came under threat. Eyewitnesses have praised his courageous actions, and the British Transport Police described his response as “nothing short of heroic,” crediting him with saving multiple lives.

Sam’s family have shared the following message in response to the overwhelming support they have received:

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. We are 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.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, 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.

Statement from LNER – Bravery of Injured Colleague Recognised | LNER

www.lner.co.uk

 

[ainsworth74]

A brief but positive update, Sam briefly regained consciousness today and was able to speak with his wife:

A train crew member who was seriously injured while trying to protect passengers during a mass stabbing has regained consciousness.

Samir Zitouni, 48, known as Sam, was working on board the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to London when the attack began in Cambridgeshire on Saturday 1 November.

LNER said Mr Zitouni, who has worked for the firm for more than 20 years, was credited with helping to save multiple lives.

A GoFundMe page for Mr Zitouni has raised nearly £40,000 towards its £50,000 target, one week after the attack.

A message posted on the GoFundMe page said: "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."

Mr Zitouni worked as a customer experience host, which largely involves providing onboard catering.

Rail worker in critical condition after mass stabbing regains consciousness

Samir Zitouni, 48, known as Sam, was working on board the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to London when the attack began in Cambridgeshire on 1 November.

news.sky.com

 

[ainsworth74]

In some good news Sam has been released from hospital today:

The train crew member who was seriously injured while trying to protect passengers during a mass stabbing has been discharged from hospital.

Samir Zitouni, 48, known as Sam, was working on board the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to London when the attack began in Cambridgeshire on Saturday 1 November.

LNER said Mr Zitouni, who has worked for the firm for more than 20 years, was credited with helping to save multiple lives.

Mr Zitouni had been in a critical condition, having suffered multiple injuries in the incident, but was discharged on Saturday.

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.

"While we are really happy to have him home, he still has a significant recovery ahead and we would now like to be left in privacy to care for him as a family."

Rail worker who protected passengers during mass stabbing on Huntingdon train discharged from hospital

Samir Zitouni was described as "incredibly brave" by the managing director of LNER after he was seriously injured trying to protect passengers during the attack.

news.sky.com

 

[ainsworth74]

The accused regarding the incident at Huntingdon is being charged with additional crimes over and above those that are noted earlier in this thread:

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: "Our investigation into the awful incident at Huntingdon has 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."

Passengers on the 18:25 GMT LNER service on 1 November said a person brandishing a knife began stabbing people after it passed through Peterborough.

It was diverted to Huntingdon - an unscheduled stop - which prompted a large emergency response.

Mr Williams is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December in relation to the train stabbings, and a count of attempted murder in connection with an alleged attack in London.

Man accused of Huntingdon train stabbings faces new charges

Anthony Williams is charged with two counts of attempted murder along with other alleged offences.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[ainsworth74]

Another brief update:

Man refuses to appear in court over train attacks​

A man accused of stabbing 10 people on a train failed to appear in court after refusing to join a video link from prison.

Passengers were seriously injured on the train, which was travelling from Doncaster to London King's Cross, after it stopped at Peterborough on 1 November.

Anthony Williams, 32, from Langford Road in Peterborough, is charged with 13 counts of attempted murder, which also relate to other alleged attacks.

The short hearing was adjourned at Cambridge Crown Court and proceedings are due to resume on 28 January.

The 18:25 service was diverted and stopped at Huntingdon - where Mr Williams was eventually arrested - after multiple 999 calls from the train.

Mr Williams, who was represented in court by barrister Graham Arnold, is accused of 21 offences.

Huntingdon allegations:

• Attempted murder of 10 people who were on the train
• Possessing a bladed article
• Actual bodily harm in connection with the alleged assault of a police officer while in custody

Other allegations:

• One count of attempted murder and possessing a bladed article after a man suffered facial injuries at the Pontoon Dock DLR station in Silvertown, east London, in the early hours of 1 November
• Attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October
• Attempted murder of a 22-year-old man at Rail World Car Park in Peterborough on 31 October
• Attempted wounding with intent of a 28-year-old man at Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on 31 October
• Possession of a bladed instrument in a public place at Henry Penn Walk
• Affray in connection with an alleged incident at Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough on 31 October
• Theft of knives from an Asda supermarket in Stevenage on 31 October
• Common assault of a 31-year-old man onboard a train travelling between Hitchin in Hertfordshire and Biggleswade in Bedfordshire on 1 November

Eleven people received treatment at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge after the incident on 1 November. They have all since been discharged.

Earlier, the court was told Mr Williams had refused to go into the video-link room from prison.

Judge Mark Bishop fixed a provisional trial date for 22 June.

Huntingdon train attacks suspect refuses to appear at court

Anthony Williams is accused of the attempted murders of 13 people.

www.bbc.com

 

[ainsworth74]

A small thing but 800111 returned to revenue service this morning on 1A03 the 0545 Doncaster to Kings Cross.

 

[Mag_seven]

Further update:

Huntingdon train attack suspect denies attempted murders

Anthony Williams pleads not guilty to various charges after passengers were stabbed onboard.

www.bbc.co.uk

A man has denied the attempted murder of 10 people who were stabbed on a train.
Passengers were seriously injured on the LNER service which was travelling from Doncaster to London King's Cross, shortly after it called at Peterborough on 1 November.
Anthony Williams, 33, from Langford Road in Peterborough, appeared at Cambridge Crown Court, where he entered his pleas via video link.
He also pleaded not guilty to 11 other offences, including four more attempted murder charges related to other attacks in Peterborough and east London prior to the train incident.