New Charges for Huntingdon Train Attack Suspect
A man suspected of a mass stabbing on a packed LNER train is now facing a significant number of additional charges, including the attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy. Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, has been charged with two further counts of attempted murder and five other offences, expanding the serious case against him.
A Timeline of Violence
The new charges relate to a series of incidents that occurred on October 31. These include the attempted murder of a 22-year-old man in Peterborough and the attempted grievous bodily harm of a 28-year-old man in the same city. Furthermore, Williams is accused of affray and carrying a blade at Ritzy Barbers, theft of knives from an Asda, and the assault of a 31-year-old man on a train between Hitchin and Biggleswade.
These latest allegations come on top of the 11 counts of attempted murder Williams was already facing in connection with the stabbing rampage on the LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross and a separate incident in London the day before.
Heroism Amidst the Chaos
During the train attack, passengers were forced to run for their lives and hide in toilets as the violence unfolded. Samir Zitouni, a 48-year-old LNER train worker with over 20 years of service, was critically injured while trying to protect passengers. He has since been hailed a hero and has been discharged from hospital.
Another passenger, Stephen Crean, a 61-year-old Nottingham Forest fan, also showed immense bravery. Mr Crean described the chilling moment the attacker asked him, 'do you want to die?' before he was stabbed six times in the head, back, face, and arm. Despite his injuries, he managed to fight off the attacker and lock himself in a toilet until armed police arrived.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander met with the first responders, praising their 'quick thinking and selfless responses' which she stated were 'nothing short of heroic' and 'undoubtedly saved lives'.
Ongoing Police Investigation
BTP Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy confirmed the severity of the new charges. He stated that the investigation into the 'awful incident' at Huntingdon station also focused on other offences previously reported or identified. The police have worked closely with Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Police, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service, to bring these additional charges.
