On a chilly Saturday evening, the usually routine London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to London King's Cross became the site of extraordinary bravery and chaos. At 6:25 pm on November 1, 2025, a mass stabbing erupted on board, leaving passengers in shock and a veteran rail worker fighting for his life. The man at the center of this heroism is Samir Zitouni, a 48-year-old customer experience host with over two decades of service to LNER, whose actions have been hailed as nothing short of heroic by colleagues, police, and government officials alike.
According to British Transport Police (BTP), the attack unfolded after the train passed through Peterborough, with a man brandishing a knife and launching an assault on fellow passengers. Amid the panic, Samir Zitouni did not hesitate. As described by Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy of the BTP, "CCTV from the train showed the man's actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people's lives." Witnesses recounted how Zitouni intervened directly, reportedly blocking the attacker from stabbing a young girl, an act that left him with serious wounds to his head and neck.
The swift and selfless response by Zitouni was echoed by LNER's managing director, David Horne, who said, "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."
Samir's family, visibly shaken but fiercely proud, released a statement that captured the spirit of a man who put others before himself. "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. 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."
The gravity of the situation was underscored by the aftermath: ten people were transported to Addenbrooke's Hospital, seven of whom have since been discharged, with four remaining in stable condition as of November 4, 2025, according to British Transport Police. An eleventh person sought treatment later. The train, which stopped at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, became a scene of rapid emergency response, with police, ambulance crews, and railway staff working side by side to tend to the wounded and secure the area.
The alleged attacker, Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, was quickly apprehended and has since been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder related to the train stabbing, as well as an additional count for a separate attack in London on the same day, as reported by BBC. Williams also faces charges for possession of a bladed article. He was remanded in custody following his appearance at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Monday.
But the investigation has revealed that the violence may not have been an isolated incident. British Transport Police and Cambridgeshire Police are probing a string of events believed to be linked to Williams. On Friday evening, just a day before the train attack, a 14-year-old boy was stabbed in Peterborough city centre. The teenager was hospitalized with minor injuries and has since been discharged. Around the same time, a man wielding a knife was reported at a barbershop in the Fletton area of Peterborough. A second sighting at the same barbershop occurred the following morning, though police arrived too late to apprehend the suspect. The force has confirmed, "detectives from BTP are linking all these incidents, and active inquiries are being made."
Further complicating matters, Cambridgeshire Police Chief Constable Simon Megicks announced an internal review into the events leading up to the mass stabbing, responding to a formal request from Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston. The review aims to scrutinize the handling of prior incidents and whether more could have been done to prevent the tragedy on the train.
The attack and its aftermath have prompted an outpouring of tributes and calls for reflection on public safety. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told BBC Breakfast, "The bravery he showed was utterly remarkable after putting himself in harm's way. There are people who are alive today who wouldn't be… were it not for his actions." Local leaders have echoed this sentiment. Peter McDonald, chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, praised Zitouni's "extraordinary bravery," 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." He also commended the emergency services and railway staff for their swift response.
For the LNER community, the incident has been both a source of pride and a sobering reminder of the dangers faced even in everyday settings. Samir Zitouni, a fixture on the railway for more than 20 years, is known not just for his professionalism but also for his dedication to passenger safety and comfort. His colleagues have rallied around him and his family, offering support and solidarity as he remains in critical but stable condition in hospital.
The broader investigation continues, with British Transport Police leading efforts to piece together the timeline and connections between the various incidents. The attacks have also reignited public debate about knife crime, security on public transportation, and the support systems in place for those who risk their lives to protect others.
As the community waits for further updates on Zitouni's recovery, his story has become a beacon of hope and resilience. In a world where headlines are too often filled with tragedy, the actions of one rail worker serve as a powerful reminder of the difference a single act of courage can make. For those who owe their lives to his bravery, and for a nation watching on, Samir Zitouni is not just a hero of the rails—he is a hero, full stop.
