On a chilly November evening, as a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train sped south from Doncaster to King’s Cross, chaos erupted in coach C. What followed was a scene that would test the courage of everyone onboard—and reveal the extraordinary heroism of one man: Samir Zitouni. The 48-year-old catering crew member, a familiar face to regular passengers, found himself at the very center of a violent attack that left eleven people injured and a nation in shock.
According to BBC News, it was just after the train passed through Peterborough on November 1, 2025, when a passenger began brandishing a knife, stabbing indiscriminately at those around him. As panic spread through the carriages, Zitouni didn’t hesitate. Eyewitnesses and authorities agree: he stepped forward to shield passengers, reportedly blocking the attacker from stabbing a young girl and sustaining a gash to his head and neck in the process. The British Transport Police (BTP) would later describe his actions as “nothing short of heroic.”
For Zitouni, a man who has worked for LNER for more than 20 years, the evening’s events were a far cry from his usual duties as a customer experience host, providing onboard catering and a friendly word to travelers. Yet, in the “moment of crisis,” as LNER managing director David Horne put it, “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.”
The aftermath was grim. Eleven people required hospital treatment for their injuries, including Zitouni, who was rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge. Initially, he was listed in critical but stable condition, fighting for his life as his family and colleagues waited anxiously for updates. The train itself was brought to an emergency halt at Huntingdon, where forensic officers and police swarmed the platform, piecing together what had happened on that harrowing journey.
As news of the attack spread, so did stories of Zitouni’s bravery. Restaurant worker and neighbor Fernando Portilla described him to Metro as “one of a kind,” saying, “He is such a nice man and has time for everyone. He’s the perfect neighbor. He always smiles and is obviously a very good family man. When I saw him on the news, I was very shocked as he had been badly hurt. I’m not surprised by his actions, he is a very good-hearted person. He is a hero and an example for us all.”
The public’s response was swift and heartfelt. An online crowdfunding campaign, set up by one of Zitouni’s colleagues, quickly raised more than £67,000 to support his family during his recovery. Messages of gratitude and admiration poured in from across the country, with many calling for Zitouni to be formally recognized for his “selfless and outstanding bravery.” Shadow Secretary of State Richard Holden MP even wrote to the Minister of State, Darren Jones MP, urging official honors for Zitouni’s actions.
After two weeks in hospital, the news everyone had been hoping for finally arrived. On November 15, the British Transport Police confirmed that Zitouni had been discharged to continue his recovery at home. In a statement released through the BTP, his family expressed their gratitude: “We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam’s brave actions on the night of the attack. While we are really happy to have him home, he still has a significant recovery ahead and we would now like to be left in privacy to care for him as a family.”
For LNER, Zitouni’s ordeal has been a stark reminder of the dangers that can erupt even in the most routine settings. David Horne, the company’s managing director, emphasized the pride felt by the entire organization: “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
The investigation into the attack has been swift but complex. Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed address, was arrested at the scene and charged with ten counts of attempted murder related to the train stabbings, as well as a count of attempted murder in connection with an alleged attack in London. He was remanded in custody at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on November 3 and is set to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1, 2025. According to BBC News, the BTP has linked the train stabbings with three other incidents that occurred earlier in Peterborough, as well as the stabbing of a 17-year-old on a DLR train in east London, suggesting a wider pattern of violence that night.
For the passengers and crew of the ill-fated train, the incident has left lasting scars—physical and emotional. Eleven people in total were treated in hospital for their injuries. The train’s sudden emergency stop at Huntingdon, the rush of police and medics, and the chaos of evacuation are moments that survivors say will not be easily forgotten.
Yet amid the trauma, stories of kindness and resilience have emerged. Colleagues and friends describe Zitouni as a “big part of the community” with an irrepressible spirit. “Always helping neighbors out,” as Portilla told Metro. For many, his actions on November 1 were simply an extension of the character he displays every day.
Calls for Zitouni to receive a formal honor have grown louder, with many arguing that his selflessness prevented an even greater tragedy. As the legal process unfolds for the accused, the focus for Zitouni’s family remains on his recovery. They have asked for privacy as they support him through what is expected to be a lengthy healing process.
As authorities continue to investigate the full scope of the attacks and their connections, the story of Samir Zitouni stands as a powerful testament to ordinary heroism in extraordinary circumstances. For those onboard the Doncaster to London train that night, his bravery may well have made all the difference.
The echoes of that November evening will linger, but so too will the gratitude and admiration for a man who, when faced with danger, chose to put others first—reminding us all of the quiet courage that can emerge when it is needed most.
