Huntingdon train stabbings hero rail worker named and pictured for first time | UK | News

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has named staff who “stepped in to protect” other train passengers during Saturday’s mass stabbing. The organization paid tribute to its staff member Samir Zitouni on Tuesday.

Mr Zitouni, who was seriously injured following a stabbing on a London-bound train in Cambridgeshire on November 1, was praised for his “incredibly brave” actions to protect passengers. The 48-year-old man, who has worked at LNER for more than 20 years, remains in hospital following the attacks. LNER Managing Director David Horne said: “Sam did not hesitate in stepping forward to protect those around him in a crisis.

“His actions were incredibly brave and we are proud of him and all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”

In a statement released via LNER, his family said: “We are deeply touched by the love and kindness shown to Sam and the many well wishes for his recovery.

“The care the hospital provided and the support from colleagues at LNER were incredible.

“We are extremely proud of Sam and his bravery. Police called him a hero on Saturday evening but to us he was always a hero.”

British Transport Police described Mr Zitouni’s response during the attack as “nothing short of heroic” and praised the rail worker for saving many lives.

Anthony Williams, 32, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following the stabbing of several people on an LNER train from Doncaster to London on Saturday.

He is also charged with one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and one count of possession of a bladed article.

Williams was remanded in custody to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.