An Algerian Muslim railway employee has been praised by police for his ‘bravery’ in saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing attack aboard a train in Cambridgeshire.
Samir Zitouni, 48, a “heroic” member of staff, was left with “life-threatening” injuries after a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire on Saturday November 1.
He was praised as “incredibly brave” by police and Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
Zitouni has worked for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for more than 20 years and is currently in hospital with serious injuries following the attacks on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service on Saturday evening.
CCTV footage on the train reviewed by the police after the incident shows Zitouni intervening and blocking the attacker from reaching more victims.
Police described his actions as “nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives.”
Zitouni is one of 11 people who have been hospitalised with serious injuries after the attack, which was allegedly carried out by Anthony Williams, 32.
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Williams appeared before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court and was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder for the incident.
According to British Transport Police, Zitouni remains “critically unwell” but stable in hospital.
Statements from Samir Zitouni’s family and LNER
Both Zitouni’s employer, LNER, and his family have issued statements on his acts of bravery during the attack.
Zitouni’s family said the following after they had been receiving “overwhelming support.”
“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 have 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.”
David Horne, the Managing Director of 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.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also addressed the Zitouni’s heroic act of bravery.
She said: “Sam went to work on Saturday morning to do his job. He left a hero. His remarkable quick thinking and selfless action saved lives, and he has demonstrated bravery beyond measure.”
According to reports from witnesses, it is thought that Zitouni “blocked” the attacker from stabbing a girl, which left him suffering gashes to his head and neck.
Eleven people on the LNER train were rushed to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, six of whom have been discharged, and four remain in a stable condition.
The attack took place at 18:25 GMT, with passengers describing one man brandishing a knife and indiscriminately stabbing people on the train after it passed through Peterborough.
The attacker’s motives are unknown and remain under investigation.
