Huntingdon train hero discharged from hospital two weeks after saving ‘multiple lives’ in mass stabbing
A 48-year-old LNER rail staff member known for ‘shielding’ to save ‘multiple lives’ has been discharged from hospital following a mass stabbing on a train earlier this month.
Samir Zitouni, known as Sam, had been in a critical condition since November 1 and suffered multiple injuries during the attack near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
He was working on the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) 6.25pm train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross when a crazed knifeman launched a terrifying attack.
Mr Zitouni is said to have used a frying pan in the buffet carriage kitchen to prevent the attacker from reaching other passengers, while armed police and paramedics were sent to Huntingdon station, where the train made an unscheduled stop.
He was stabbed multiple times and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, but is now well enough to be released from hospital and continue his recovery at home.
Mr Zitouni’s family said tonight: ‘We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public and touched by all the kind words spoken about Sam’s brave actions on the night of the attack.
‘While we are really happy to have him home, there is still a significant recovery process and we now want to be left alone so we can look after him as a family.’
Anthony Williams, 32, of Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough magistrates’ court on 11 charges of attempted murder in connection with a stabbing on an LNER train in east London on November 1.
LNER staff member Samir Zitouni had been in critical condition since 1 November and had suffered multiple injuries after ‘acting as a shield’ to save passengers.
A coroner examines a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train after the incident
He also faces charges of possession of a bladed article and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Police confirmed the attack was linked to four other knife incidents, including threats made by a knifeman to staff at Ritzy Barbers in Huntingdon on October 31 and on the morning of November 1.
The man is said to have arrived at the store minutes after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in Peterborough city center at 7.10pm.
The fourth incident that has now been linked is the stabbing of a 17-year-old on a DLR train at Pontoon Quay in the early hours of Saturday. It was stated that the victim was injured in the face.
Williams was remanded in custody until a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.
A GoFundMe page to support Mr Zitouni and his family was set up just hours after the stabbing, where his wife Eleni described him ‘acting as a shield to protect the lives of others’.
He said: ‘Sam is a kind and brave person who believes deeply in humanity.
‘On November 1st, Sam acted as a shield to protect the lives of others, risking not being able to return to his beloved son.
Anthony Williams, 32, of Peterborough, is charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, possession of a bladed instrument and assault occasioning actual bodily harm
‘Sam is like this; He would do the same for everyone, regardless of color, age, gender, religion or origin, even for people he didn’t know. ‘Sam is our hero.’
LNER chief executive David Horne previously praised Mr Zitouni’s bravery, saying: ‘Sam did not hesitate in stepping forward to protect those around him in a moment of 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.’
During the incident on November 1, the suspect is understood to have boarded the 6.25 LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross in Peterborough before allegedly attacking moving carriages.
To protect themselves, the passengers went through the vehicle and barricaded themselves in the toilets and behind the shutters of the shop in the buffet car.
When the train pulled into Huntingdon, the unflappable railway staff hurriedly guided passengers off the platform, with the suspect following closely behind.
The suspected attacker, still brandishing a knife, crossed railway tracks and jumped a fence before being subdued by police.
A petition has been set up to honor Huntingdon stabbing victim Stephen Crean after he stepped in and attacked the attacker with his bare hands.
Sir Keir Starmer thanked the ‘heroic actions’ of train staff, including Mr Zitouni, who put themselves at risk to save ‘countless lives’.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said Mr Zitouni ‘went to work on Saturday morning and left a hero’.
‘I understand that the British Transport Police have reviewed CCTV footage of what happened and have literally put themselves in danger. ‘There will be people alive today because of what he did.’
He added: ‘He went to work on Saturday morning to do his job and left work a hero.’
His heroic actions were praised in the House of Lords last night by Lord Hanson of Flint, who called for his ‘tremendous bravery’ to be recognised.
Home Secretary Lord Hanson said Mr Zitouni was ‘the sort of person who would normally serve tea or drinks’.
But here he took really strong steps and stepped out and risked his own life,’ he told the House of Lords. ‘I think we need to recognize that this was an act of tremendous courage and I wish him the best of luck.’
Meanwhile, a petition has been set up calling for Nottingham Forest supporter and train passenger Stephen Crean to be honored after he attacked his alleged attacker with his bare hands.
Mr Crean, who had returned from watching Nottingham Forest draw 2-2 with Manchester United, said he heard the screams of injured passengers and walked from the buffet carriage to a carriage, where he confronted the attacker.
Mr Crean recalled: ‘There was a huge, oversized kitchen knife; It looked like it was a Japanese sword or something. He came towards me and said, ‘Do you want to die?’ he said.
He said he confronted the attacker to give another passenger time to close the buffet door behind him, allowing others to hide and potentially preventing dozens of injuries.
Mr Crean, who was then locked in with the knife-wielding man, was stabbed three times in the back in the left hand, once in the bottom and twice in the head, before managing to find an empty toilet to hide in.
