Man Charged with Attempted Murder Over Train Stabbings
A 32-year-old man has been charged after a brutal knife attack on a packed train from Doncaster to London left 11 people injured on Saturday night. Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, faces 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possessing a bladed article. Police have also linked him to another alleged attempted murder on November 1st at Pontoon Dock station in east London, for which he is receiving charges for another count of attempted murder and another count of possessing a bladed article.
What happened?
The attack began after the train passed through Peterborough. Witnesses described chaos as passengers screamed and ran between carriages while trying to hide. British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that armed officers boarded the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service after it made an emergency stop at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Two men were arrested within eight minutes of the BTP being alerted of the incident, though one was later released with no further action after it was determined that he was not involved.
A major emergency response saw police, fire crews, and ambulances swarm Huntingdon station, which remained closed until the end of Monday. LNER has urged passengers to check before travelling due to ongoing disruption. Officers said there was “nothing to suggest” the incident was terror-related.
A member of the train crew, praised for his “heroic” actions in confronting the attacker, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said his bravery “undoubtedly saved many people’s lives,” adding that “there are people who are alive today who wouldn’t be… were it not for his actions.”
How have people reacted?
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply concerning,” while King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were “truly appalled and shocked” by the attack. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood thanked emergency workers and hailed the courage of staff and passengers who stepped in to help.
What's next?
Williams will appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday. The Crown Prosecution Service said prosecutors had reviewed “a huge volume of evidence including CCTV,” and would keep the charges under review as the investigation continues.
British Transport Police said they are also looking into “other possible linked offences.”
