A 32-year-old man, Anthony Williams from Peterborough, has been charged with ten counts of attempted murder following a violent attack on an LNER train in Huntingdon.
The terrifying incident happened on the evening of November 1, when Williams allegedly rampaged through the train, wielding a knife and injuring numerous passengers.
The brutal attack sent shockwaves through the country and left passengers and train staff in a state of fear and chaos.
What happened on November 1?
Williams, who boarded the 6:25 LNER service from Doncaster to King’s Cross, reportedly went on a violent rampage after getting on the train at Peterborough.
Passengers described scenes of sheer panic as Williams moved through the carriages, brandishing a knife. As he advanced down the train, passengers scrambled to escape, barricading themselves in toilets and hiding behind the shutters of the onboard shop.
Witnesses reported that the suspect shouted, “The Devil’s not going to win,” as he threatened passengers. Quick-thinking railway staff and brave passengers attempted to restrain the attacker. The train’s driver, Andrew Johnson, worked with Network Rail staff to make an emergency stop at Huntingdon station.
Once the train arrived, passengers were hurriedly evacuated, but Williams continued his attack, pursuing them off the train. He was eventually apprehended by police after crossing the tracks and leaping over a fence.
Who is Anthony Williams?
Following the events, Williams was charged with ten counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possessing a bladed article. The charges were not only related to the Huntingdon train attack but also a second incident at Pontoon Dock station in London on the same night. In that attack, a victim allegedly suffered facial injuries.
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, with more charges potentially being added as more evidence is reviewed.
A spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that they had worked closely with British Transport Police to analyse CCTV footage and other evidence, adding that the impact of the attack on the public has been “devastating.”
Aftermath of the attack
In the wake of the attack, nine of the 11 injured individuals were reported to be in critical condition. The most severe injuries were sustained by an LNER worker who tried to defend passengers. This worker, who was left in critical but stable condition, was praised for his heroic actions, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander noting that lives were saved because of his bravery.
Another victim, Nottingham Forest fan Stephen Crean, was stabbed after attempting to confront Williams despite warnings from fellow passengers. Crean, who had been returning from a match against Manchester United, courageously intervened to protect others.
While initial reports suggested the incident could have been a terror attack, authorities quickly ruled out terrorism as the motive. Police confirmed that Williams was not known to counter-terrorism services, and the investigation shifted focus to his personal background and the motives behind the attack.