Heroic Train Worker Discharged After Onboard Attack
A railway employee hailed as a hero for protecting passengers during a mass stabbing has finally been released from hospital. Samir Zitouni, known to colleagues as Sam, was seriously wounded while defending travellers on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service.
The Attack and a Courageous Response
The violent incident unfolded on November 1 aboard the LNER train travelling from Doncaster to London. Shortly after the train departed Peterborough station, passengers were forced to pull the emergency alarms as the situation escalated.
In a critical move, train driver Andrew Johnson, a former Royal Navy serviceman with 17 years of experience, contacted a signaller and arranged an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire. This swift action allowed emergency services to access the train and attend to the wounded.
Mr Zitouni, a customer experience host who has served LNER for more than two decades, was critically injured. He was one of 11 patients who required hospital treatment for their injuries following the attack.
A Long Road to Recovery
In an official update on Saturday 15 November, the British Transport Police confirmed that Mr Zitouni is now able to continue his healing at home. A statement praised the efforts of NHS staff, noting that the 48-year-old had been in a critical condition with multiple injuries.
His family released a heartfelt statement, expressing their gratitude for the public's support. "We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam’s brave actions on the night of the attack," they said.
They added, "While we are really happy to have him home, he still has a significant recovery ahead and we would now like to be left in privacy to care for him as a family."
Anthony Williams, 32, of Langford Road, Peterborough, has been charged in connection with the event. He appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on November 3 charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and was remanded into custody. He is scheduled to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.
