On a chilly Saturday evening, November 2, 2025, the usually routine journey of the 18:25 LNER train from Doncaster to London King's Cross was shattered by violence. Passengers found themselves in the midst of a terrifying mass stabbing, but amid the chaos, one man’s actions would come to define the night—and, for many, the difference between life and death. Samir Zitouni, a 48-year-old rail worker with more than two decades of experience at London North Eastern Railway (LNER), is now being hailed as a hero for intervening in the attack and shielding a young girl from harm, even as he suffered serious injuries himself.
Zitouni, described by colleagues and family as selfless and courageous, remains critically unwell but stable in hospital as of November 4, according to British Transport Police. He sustained a gash to his head and neck while blocking the attacker, and his quick thinking is credited with saving multiple lives. "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," said David Horne, managing director of LNER, in a statement reported by BBC and echoed across other outlets.
The attack unfolded after the train passed through Peterborough, with passengers recalling the horror of seeing a man brandishing a knife and stabbing people seemingly at random. The train was brought to a halt at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, where emergency services rushed to the scene. Ten people were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital immediately following the attack, and an eleventh person later admitted themselves for treatment. By Monday, seven had been discharged, while four remained in stable condition alongside Zitouni, according to British Transport Police.
Authorities quickly identified the suspect as Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode. Williams was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the train stabbing, as well as an additional count of attempted murder linked to a separate attack in London on the same day. The investigation, led by British Transport Police, has since expanded to examine potential links between Williams and a string of violent incidents in Peterborough, including the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy and two reports of a knifeman at a barbers’ shop on November 1 and 2.
Cambridgeshire Police are conducting an internal review of the events leading up to the train attack. Chief Constable Simon Megicks said he had commissioned the review on Monday, following a formal request from police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston. "Detectives from BTP are linking all these incidents, and active inquiries are being made," British Transport Police stated, as reported by BBC and other news organizations. The review aims to determine whether any warning signs or missed opportunities might have allowed the attacker to be apprehended before the train tragedy occurred.
As the investigation continues, attention has turned to the extraordinary bravery displayed on board the train. Zitouni, a British-Arab customer experience host, was one of the first to confront the attacker, according to witness accounts and CCTV footage cited by Arab News. His family, deeply moved by the outpouring of support, released a statement: "We are 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. 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."
Public officials have also joined the chorus of praise for Zitouni and others who acted to protect their fellow passengers. On BBC Breakfast, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called Zitouni’s courage "utterly remarkable" and underscored the impact of his actions: "There are people who are alive today who wouldn’t be… were it not for his actions." Peter McDonald, chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, echoed these sentiments, stating, "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." Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, speaking on Monday, paid tribute to the "breathtaking bravery" of those on the train, emphasizing that Zitouni "went to work to do his job—today, he is a hero and forever will be."
The attack has left a mark not only on those directly involved but on the broader community and the railway industry. LNER’s David Horne noted that the company would continue to support Zitouni and his family as he recovers. The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about safety on public transport, the challenges of responding to violent incidents, and the importance of preparedness and vigilance among both staff and passengers.
In the days since the attack, details have emerged about the sequence of events in Peterborough that may be linked to Williams. On Friday, November 1, a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in the city centre, and later that evening, a man was reportedly seen with a knife at a barbers’ shop in Fletton. The shop called police again the following morning. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and piecing together the timeline, hoping to clarify the connections between these incidents and the train attack.
For many, the story of Samir Zitouni is a powerful reminder of the potential for ordinary people to display extraordinary courage. While the investigation and the recovery of those injured will continue for some time, the gratitude expressed by passengers, officials, and the public is unmistakable. As Zitouni’s family said, "The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us he’s always been a hero."
With the dust settling and the facts still coming to light, the legacy of November 2, 2025, will likely be defined not just by the violence that occurred, but by the selflessness of those who stood up in the face of danger. The bravery of Samir Zitouni and others on board the LNER train offers a glimmer of hope and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the darkest of moments.
