The hero of Huntingdon: Train worker, 48, who saved multiple lives during knife horror on train
CCTV during the attack showed him acting "nothing short of heroic" as he shielded passengers from the rampaging knifeman
The hero who saved multiple lives during the horror knife attack that unfolded on a train to London has been identified.
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Samir Zitouni, who is 48 and known to many as Sam, worked at LNER for over 20 years as a Customer Experience Host.
Mr Zitouni was injured while trying to protect passengers during the mass stabbing on Saturday's 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London King's Cross. He remains in a critical but stable condition.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, 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."
Read More: Huntingdon train suspect 'linked to string of knife crimes' hours before attack
Mr Zitouni's family added: "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. We are 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."
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, of British Transport Police (BTP), said CCTV from the train showed the man's actions "were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people's lives".
Four other people remain in hospital after the attack.
On Monday, Anthony Williams, 32, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court charged with 10 counts of attempted murder.
He was also charged with one count of ABH (Actual Bodily Harm), and one count of possession of a bladed article.
Police are looking into claims Williams is 'linked to three other knife crimes' the day before.
Separately, Williams is charged with one count of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article over an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London in the early hours of Saturday, where a victim suffered facial injuries after being attacked with a knife.
He allegedly used a “large kitchen knife” in both attacks, according to court documents.
The investigation by British Transport Police into the train attack will include the stabbing of the 14-year-old and the incident at the barber’s shop.
Williams appeared at Peterborough Magistrates Court on Monday flanked by four security officers.
Wearing a grey police-issued tracksuit, the suspect spoke only to confirm his name and age.
He told the judge he had "no fixed abode' when asked for his address and was not asked to enter his pleas.
District judge Ken Sheraton remanded Williams into custody to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.
Saturday’s attack is understood to have started shortly after the train left Peterborough station.
Passengers pulled the emergency alarms on the LNER service and it was diverted to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Cambridgeshire Police referred itself to watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct in relation to the incidents in Peterborough.
The watchdog said it did not meet the criteria for a referral.
Another hero who confronted the Huntingdon train attacker, sustaining multiple injuries in the process, has described the moment he tried to stop the “crazed” knifeman’s rampage.
Speaking to LBC’s Nick Ferrari, Stephen Crean, from London, opened up about challenging the knifeman, who left ten people with life-threatening injuries when he launched the attack on a train service from Doncaster to London King's Cross on Saturday.
As the pair struggled, the attacker hauntingly asked Stephen, “Do you want to die?”
“I was sitting down and the doors opened and there was a lot of shouting and then quite a few people ran past,” he told LBC.
He then turned and saw the knifeman “waving an oversized” blade.
Stephen then began moving down the carriage, seeing other survivors lock themselves in toilets as they attempted to escape the attacker.
Eventually, Stephen came face-to-face with the attacker.
“It was just me against him.
“So I was just trying to hold him in his hand and the blade was going all around.
“It was right up close, it was like a sword
“I mean, it might be exaggerating, but that's what it felt like.”
Stephen eventually escaped, locking himself in a toilet for safety, but was seriously injured in the process.
Train driver Andrew Johnson, who is reported to be a Royal Navy veteran, is said to have got signalers to divert the train to a different track, allowing him to stop at a platform at Huntingdon which was not a planned stop on the route.
He told ITV News: "I was only doing my job. It was my colleague who is in hospital who was the brave one."
Scunthorpe United defender Jonathan Gjoshe, 22, was rushed to hospital following the attack, where he is currently being treated for non life-threatening injuries, a spokesperson for the club said.
"Scunthorpe United can confirm registered player Jonathan Gjoshe was one of the victims affected by the shocking attack on an LNER train bound for London on Saturday evening," the spokesperson said.
"Everyone at the club, from the Board, management and his teammates, along with all staff behind the scenes, sends our heartfelt well wishes to Jonathan for a full recovery, which is also extended to all the victims on board the train."