Huntingdon train stabbing suspect ‘tried to kill at another station’ | UK | News
The man suspected in multiple stabbings on a train between Doncaster and London on Saturday allegedly tried to kill him on a different train the night before, police said. One of 10 attempted murders Anthony Williams, 32, of Langford Road, Peterborough, has been charged with attempted murder at Pontoon Dock DLR station on November 1. British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed he will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court this morning.
As well as attempted murder, Williams is charged with one count of Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) and one count of possession of a bladed article in connection with the incident in Huntingdon. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “Criminal investigation and victim support is a priority for British Transport Police. Our investigation is also examining other possible related offences.”
He added: “I would like to emphasize the importance of not saying or publishing anything that could compromise or undermine ongoing criminal proceedings or the integrity of the investigation in line with the charges authorized by the Crown Prosecution Service.”
The London North Eastern Railway (LNER) worker who showed “incredible bravery” to save lives during a mass stabbing on a busy train is in a critical but stable condition in hospital, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed early this morning.
“There are people alive today because of his actions and his courage,” he told Sky News.
“He went to work that morning to work on the train service, to serve passengers and put himself in danger,” Ms Alexander added.
“He went to do his job and left the job a hero.”
Police are understood to be investigating all the circumstances, including whether mental health was a factor, but the incident is not believed to be a terrorist incident, PA reports.
Ms Alexander said the suspect was not known to counter-terrorism police or MI5 but did not say whether he had links to mental health services.
He told Times Radio: “I will not speculate about his motivations or the events leading up to the incident.”
The cabinet member added: “What I can tell you is that he is not recognized by the counter-terrorism police, he is not recognized by the security services and he is not recognized by the Prevent programme.”
Asked if the suspect was known to mental health services, he said: “I’m afraid I’m not in a position to share any further information about this person.”
