A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been named as Samir Zitouni.

The 48-year-old, who has worked for LNER for more than two decades, was hailed by colleagues and officials as “nothing short of heroic” after the attack on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service on Saturday evening.

Mr Zitouni remains “critically unwell” but stable in hospital, according to British Transport Police (BTP).

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder relating to the train stabbing, and an additional count of attempted murder connected to an earlier attack in London.

“He Did Not Hesitate”

LNER Managing Director David Horne paid tribute to Mr Zitouni’s extraordinary courage:

> “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.”

It is believed that Mr Zitouni intervened to protect a young girl, reportedly “blocking” the attacker and sustaining deep gashes to his head and neck in the process.

Family: “He’s Always Been a Hero”

In a heartfelt statement, his family said they were “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,” they said.
“We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well-wishes for his recovery.
The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible.”

Tributes from Leaders

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told BBC Breakfast that the bravery he showed was “utterly remarkable,” praising him for putting himself “in harm’s way.”

> “There are people who are alive today who wouldn’t be… were it not for his actions,” she said.

Peter McDonald, Liberal Democrat chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, also commended Mr Zitouni’s “extraordinary bravery.”

> “In a moment of great danger, Sam put the safety of others before his own. Thanks to his courage and presence of mind, lives were saved,” he said.

Mr McDonald further praised the emergency services, train operator staff, and Network Rail employees for their “swift and professional” response.

Investigation Expands

Ten people on board the LNER train, which made an emergency stop at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, with an eleventh arriving later.
Seven have since been discharged, while four remain in stable condition.

The attack occurred on the 18:25 GMT LNER service from Doncaster to King’s Cross. Passengers reported that a man began stabbing people after the train passed through Peterborough.

Cambridgeshire Police said earlier that they were investigating possible links between the suspect and a series of knife incidents in the city, including one involving a 14-year-old boy and two reports of a knifeman at a barbershop.

On Friday, the teenager was stabbed, and the same barbershop reported a man carrying a knife on two separate occasions.

According to BTP:

> “Detectives from BTP are linking all these incidents, and active inquiries are being made.”

Cambridgeshire Police Chief Constable Simon Megicks confirmed an internal review had been commissioned into the events leading up to the attacks, following a formal request from Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston.