The city of Peterborough and the wider rail community are reeling after a series of violent incidents culminated in a mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train, leaving at least 11 people injured and sparking a sweeping investigation into police conduct and prior warnings.
It all began more than a month before the November 1, 2025, train attack, when Ricky Butcher, 35, was assaulted outside The Fletton Club in Peterborough. According to the BBC, Butcher was waiting for a taxi with friends on September 27 when he was suddenly attacked by a man wielding a knife. “I had five witnesses with me,” Butcher told the BBC. He suffered facial injuries requiring stitches and described his face as “numb, and probably always will be, due to the cut.” Butcher expressed frustration with the initial police response, saying he was “fuming” that Cambridgeshire Constabulary dropped their investigation just two days after the attack. “They could have taken it more seriously,” he said.
The police initially closed the case, but after the shocking events of November 1, they reopened the investigation and referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC confirmed on November 11 that it had opened a formal investigation into Cambridgeshire Police’s handling of the September 27 incident and its possible connection to the later train stabbings.
IOPC director Emily Barry stated, “Since the serious incidents on the London-bound train from Peterborough on Saturday 1 November, we have been working closely with Cambridgeshire Constabulary to ensure that any complaints or conduct matters identified in its review are referred to us. As a result of this complaint we will be investigating the force’s handling of this incident in September. We will keep the complainant and the force updated as our investigation progresses.”
An IOPC spokesperson elaborated, “We understand from the complaint that police were called by a member of the public to a report of a man armed with a knife. Prior to the police arriving the complainant reports he was punched by the man leaving him with facial lacerations. Police attended and spoke with the complainant however, the suspect had left the scene before officers arrived, and no arrest was made at the time.”
The investigation comes amid mounting scrutiny over whether earlier police action could have prevented the later tragedy. Cambridgeshire Police has commissioned an internal review of all events leading up to the train attack, including the September Fletton incident. The force’s decision to refer itself to the IOPC reflects the seriousness with which it is now treating the potential missed warning signs.
On November 1, the violence escalated dramatically. A mass stabbing occurred on a Doncaster to London King's Cross train as it approached Huntingdon. According to BBC News and PA Media, at least 11 people were injured, including a 'hero' train steward, Samir Zitouni, 48, who was working as part of the LNER catering crew. Zitouni’s actions during the attack were described as “nothing short of heroic” by British Transport Police, with reports that he risked his own life to protect others, even saving a 14-year-old girl. He was rushed to Addenbrooke Hospital in Cambridge in critical condition.
In a glimmer of hope, Zitouni briefly woke up and was able to speak with his wife as of November 11. A GoFundMe campaign set up to support his long-term care reached 90% of its £70,000 goal in just over a week, with organizer Gemma Royce sharing, “His wife has shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday, and she was able to speak with him for a short time. This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery.”
The suspect in the train attack, Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, was swiftly arrested by armed police at Huntingdon. Williams has since appeared in court charged with 11 counts of attempted murder related to the Huntingdon train incident, as well as a second stabbing in east London. He has also been accused of attacking someone else earlier the same day on a different train in east London. Williams was remanded in custody until December 1.
British Transport Police have linked Williams to a string of other violent incidents in the days and hours leading up to the train attack. These include two separate reports of a knifeman entering a barbers’ shop in Peterborough and the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in the city centre. There is also an investigation into a knife attack on a 17-year-old on a DLR train at Pontoon Dock in east London in the early hours of November 2. In each case, the suspect had left the scene before police arrived, and no immediate arrests were made.
The growing list of incidents attributed to Williams has prompted questions about whether earlier intervention might have made a difference. Cambridgeshire Police is now reviewing all prior contact with Williams, while the IOPC’s investigation will examine whether any police actions or inactions contributed to the escalation of violence.
Meanwhile, the aftermath of the train attack continues to ripple outwards. British Transport Police have asked passengers who left belongings behind during the chaos to contact them to arrange collection at offices in Peterborough or London. “Please note that, while officers are trying to complete this work as quickly as possible, we're not able to say at this stage when an appointment will be made,” a BTP spokesperson said. “We’re grateful for the patience and understanding of those who were travelling while this work is carried out.”
The Peterborough community, already shaken by the initial September assault, has been left stunned by the scale and ferocity of the violence on the train. The fact that the same suspect is linked to multiple incidents across different locations raises uncomfortable questions about the effectiveness of current policing and mental health intervention systems.
As the IOPC and Cambridgeshire Police continue their investigations, the focus remains on supporting the victims and ensuring that lessons are learned. The outpouring of support for Samir Zitouni and the other victims has been heartening, but there is a palpable sense of urgency that more must be done to prevent such tragedies in the future. For now, the city waits for answers, hoping that accountability and change will follow in the wake of these harrowing events.
