Samir Zitouni named as train hero who saved lives during attack

A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been named as Samir Zitouni.

The 48-year-old’s actions on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service on Saturday evening were described as “nothing short of heroic”.

Mr Zitouni remains “critically unwell” but stable in hospital, British Transport Police said.

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder relating to the train stabbing and a count of attempted murder in connection with an attack in London on Saturday.

Mr Zitouni has worked for LNER for more than 20 years.

David Horne, LNER managing director, 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.”

It is thought Mr Zitouni “blocked” the attacker from stabbing a girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck.

In a statement, his family said they were ” 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,” they said.

“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.”

On Monday morning, 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.”

Ten people on board the LNER train, which stopped at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, were taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

An eleventh person went to the hospital later.

Six of those have been discharged, four remain in a stable condition.

The attack took place on the 18:25 GMT LNER service from Doncaster, South Yorkshire to London’s King’s Cross station.

Passengers said one person brandishing a knife began stabbing people on the train after it passed through Peterborough.

Cambridgeshire Police is investigating whether the man accused of carrying out the attack is linked to an incident involving a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough and to two reports of a knifeman at a barbers’ shop in the city.

On Friday the teenager was stabbed and a man was reported to be at the shop carrying a knife. The shop made a second report the next day.