A mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire has left multiple people injured, with victims including a football fan who bravely confronted the alleged attacker. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, has resulted in charges of attempted murder against a 32-year-old man, highlighting the chaos and heroism aboard the high-speed service.
On Saturday evening, a LNER train traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross became the scene of a violent attack when a man armed with a large knife began stabbing passengers. The train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station after passengers pulled the emergency cord, allowing armed police to board and detain the suspect. Ten people were taken to hospital, with nine sustaining life-threatening injuries, according to authorities.
Among the victims was Stephen Crean, a Nottingham Forest fan, who described his confrontation with the alleged attacker in vivid detail. Crean recalled hearing shouts of ‘They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed’ as chaos erupted, and he decided to stand his ground to protect others. He said the man approached him, brandishing a blade and repeatedly asking, ‘Do you want to die?’ before slashing Crean’s head and hand during a tussle.
Another victim, Jonathan Gjoshe, a 22-year-old Scunthorpe United footballer, was slashed across the bicep and required surgery for non-life-threatening injuries. His club confirmed he was among those attacked, underscoring the diverse group of passengers affected. A member of the train staff remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital, with witnesses praising the crew’s bravery in managing the crisis.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of panic, with passengers trampling over each other and hiding in toilets to escape the attacker. One witness, Gavin, told Sky News that he saw ‘extremely bloodied’ individuals collapsing on the floor as police shouted for everyone to get down. The quick response from emergency services, including air ambulances and paramedics, was crucial in providing aid to the injured.
Anthony Williams, 32, has been remanded in custody and charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, two counts of possession of a bladed article, and one count of actual bodily harm. One of the attempted murder charges relates to a separate incident, as police investigate potential links to other events. Chief Superintendent Chris Casey of British Transport Police described the attack as ‘shocking’ and emphasized that inquiries are ongoing.
Authorities have stated that the early assessment indicates this was an isolated incident, with no evidence of terrorism. However, police are reviewing three further incidents, including the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy, to determine any connections. The community in Cambridgeshire has been shaken, with local residents offering shelter to passengers in the aftermath.
The bravery of passengers and train crew has been widely praised, with many, including Stephen Crean, being hailed as heroes for their actions. Crean modestly deflected praise, noting that police, ambulance staff, and hospital workers are the ‘real heroes.’ As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the victims and understanding the motives behind the attack to prevent future tragedies.