Hero train driver whose quick thinking ‘saved many lives’ as knifeman rampaged through carriages speaks out for the first time – and hails others’ bravery

A Huntingdon train driver praised for ‘saving lives’ has broken his silence and said his colleagues on board were ‘real heroes’.

While Andrew Johnson was driving the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to King’s Cross, a knifeman attacked the ship, injuring 10 people.

Anthony Williams, 32, of Peterborough, was charged with 11 counts of attempted murder and appeared in court Monday. One of the charges relates to the hours before the train stabbing.

Driver Johnson, a Royal Navy and Iraq War veteran, ensured emergency services could act quickly by quickly diverting London-bound carriages to Huntingdon Station after being warned of the attack.

In a statement released by the LNER, Mr Johnson said: ‘As train drivers we have a lot of responsibility.

‘We implement our emergency response and keep our knowledge of the route up to date so we know exactly where to stop and what to do if needed.’

The condition of another staff member working in the buffet car of the train is critical.

Police said he also ‘undoubtedly saved people’s lives’ and protected passengers from the attacker.

Johnson continued: ‘The action I took was the same as that taken by other drivers. ‘I think my colleagues on the ship are real heroes and I want to pay tribute to their bravery.’

LNER said Johnson, working with teams at the Rail Operating Center in York, contacted a signalman who took immediate action to divert the service from its normal route following the attack on passengers.

‘Andrew drew on his nearly 20 years of driving experience to request an unplanned stop at Huntingdon station, allowing police to access the train and apprehend a violent suspect,’ the LNER said.

‘Prior to 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 they start operating on the railway. Once qualified, they are assessed regularly in a two-year cycle of stringent qualification checks.’

Mr. Johnson was deployed to Iraq in 2003 during the Second Gulf War.

After working as a weapons engineer, he appears to have finished his career as a Chief Petty Officer.

LNER managing director David Horne said: ‘Andrew’s actions are testament to the expertise and skills he has developed throughout his career in both the railway and the army.

‘The intensive training our drivers receive means they are always ready to intervene in any situation.

‘We are grateful to Andrew, our colleagues on board, the signalman and the station crew at Huntingdon for their actions on Saturday. Our thoughts are with our colleague in the hospital.’

A man was seen running away from Huntingdon station following the incident, according to CCTV footage obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail.

The 18.25 LNER service had left Peterborough Station at 19.30 when the knife attack began.

British Transport Police received reports of the incident at 7.42pm on Saturday before heading to the scene where armed officers boarded the train and detained two suspects. One was later released without further action.

It was revealed today that a man believed to be alleged knifeman Williams burst into a Peterborough barbershop with a knife while police were investigating whether he had stabbed a 14-year-old boy minutes earlier.

CCTV footage obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail allegedly shows a man entering Ritzy Barbers in Fletton at 7.14pm on Friday; This comes minutes after police were called to the stabbing of a 14-year-old teenager in the city centre.

Barbershop staff called police about 90 minutes after he left; but Cambridgeshire Constabulary did not send officers, instead asking the store to upload CCTV online.

Barber Cody Greene, 23, told the Daily Mail the same man returned to the shop at 9.25am on Saturday. The police were called again, but when they arrived the man was gone.

CCTV footage obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail allegedly shows a knife-wielding man entering Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, on Friday.

It happened nearly 10 hours before prosecutors claimed Williams launched the train attack and more than eight hours after the 32-year-old allegedly stabbed a man at Docklands Light Rail (DLR) station in the capital earlier that morning.

Police launched an investigation on Monday to determine whether three incidents in the city before the alleged attack were linked and face accusations they could have prevented the attack had they acted faster.

“Even though we called the police, I feel guilty because this situation could have been prevented if precautions had been taken,” Mr. Greene said.

‘They have cameras everywhere’ [the police] I saw what this man looked like. Then he passed by this shop again. IT [the train attack] ‘Certainly it could have been prevented.’

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said it was ‘aware’ of the incidents and was simultaneously investigating others to see if further crimes had been committed. The Home Secretary today promised that questions about the attack would be ‘answered’.

Williams appeared in Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday wearing a gray sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms. He was handcuffed and accompanied by four prison officers.

additionally faced Charges of attempted murder and possession of a blunt instrument have been laid after a passenger was stabbed at Pontoon Dock DLR station in east London shortly after 12.45pm on Saturday.

The LNER Azuma train where the attack allegedly took place was removed from Huntingdon station this morning (photo taken as it left the station)

It was claimed that the face of the person who was attacked with a knife was injured.

The court heard he was also charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after allegedly attacking a police officer while he was being detained, breaking the officer’s nose.

Williams spoke only to confirm his name and address during the six-minute hearing, muttering to the court that he had no fixed abode.

Documents allege he used a ‘large kitchen knife’ in both incidents. No application for bail was made.

Before Williams was brought to court, the judge granted an application to have him appear in handcuffs after hearing that he had allegedly assaulted a police officer upon his arrest.

Prosecutor Olaide Esan, who opposed bail, said at the hearing: ‘The defendant attempted to kill a total of 11 people.

‘These are serious allegations. These are very serious crimes. ‘The defendant poses a risk to trains and the public.’

District Judge Kenneth Sheraton remanded Williams in custody and adjourned the case for a further hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.

LNER train at Huntingdon station after the attack on Saturday evening

Police cars and ambulances are seen outside Huntingdon Station in Cambridgeshire

It is understood Williams was not known to the security services or counter-terrorism police and was not referred to the Government’s counter-extremism plan, Prevent.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, of British Transport Police, said: ‘Criminal investigation and victim support is a priority.

‘Our investigation is also examining other possible related crimes.’

After the attack, security measures were increased at train stations. The relevant LNER Azuma train left Huntingdon station this morning; The station itself is closed until the end of the day.