Praise for 'hero' worker who shielded passengers during Huntingdon attack

A train worker who was critically injured during a mass stabbing on a high-speed train over the weekend has been praised for his “incredibly brave” attempts to save lives.

Samir Zitouni’s family said that the 48-year-old had “always been a hero” after he stepped in to protect passengers on board the train.

Ten people were rushed to hospital by ambulance from Huntingdon station following the attack on Saturday night, including Mr Zitouni, who remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

“We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well wishes for his recovery,” said his family in a statement.

“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.”

Eyewitnesses have praised his heroic actions, and David Horne, managing director of operator LNER, added: “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.”

The attack is understood to have started shortly after the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train left Peterborough station in Cambridgeshire.

Witnesses to the attack have spoken of seeing a man with a large knife and passengers hiding in the toilets to escape.

Driver Andrew Johnson diverted the train to Huntingdon in a bid to preserve life after the stabbing incident started.

He said he did the “same as any other driver” and added: “I think my colleagues on board were the real heroes and I’d like to pay tribute to their bravery.”

The train stopped at nearby Huntingdon station, where armed officers from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two men, one of whom was later released without charge.

Anthony Williams, 32, appeared in court on Monday, charged with 11 counts of attempted murder over Saturday’s mass stabbing in Cambridgeshire and another attack hours earlier at a London station.

The 32-year-old, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody when he appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court.

The stabbing of a teenage boy and two other knife-related incidents in Peterborough are also being investigated alongside the incident on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross train.