King Charles has personally honoured the courageous individuals who confronted a knife-wielding attacker on a train in Cambridgeshire earlier this year.
Palace Reception for Bravery
In a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening, the King met with train guard Samir Zitouni and other passengers and railway staff who displayed remarkable valour during the incident on 1 November. Mr Zitouni, affectionately known as Sam, attended with his wife, Eleni Sakkoulei.
Samir Zitouni sustained serious injuries while protecting passengers on the Doncaster to London service when the attack occurred near Huntingdon. At the time, he was working with the onboard catering crew. The British Transport Police later praised his conduct, describing his actions as "nothing short of heroic".
Quick-Thinking Driver and a Fearless Fan
The King also spoke with LNER train driver Andrew Johnson, a former Royal Navy serviceman with 17 years of military experience, and his partner, Abbie Northfield. Mr Johnson's decisive action to make an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station allowed passengers to flee and the suspect to disembark, preventing further potential bloodshed.
Modestly, Mr Johnson stated last month, "I was only doing my job - it was my colleague who was the brave one. The action I took is the same as any other driver." He paid tribute to his onboard colleagues, calling them the real heroes.
Another guest was passenger Stephen Crean, a 61-year-old Nottingham Forest fan. Mr Crean had been travelling home to London after watching his team draw 2-2 with Manchester United when he stepped in to help fellow travellers using only his bare hands.
Legal Proceedings Continue
The suspect in the attack, 32-year-old Anthony Williams, faces serious charges in connection with the events. He has been charged with:
- Ten counts of attempted murder related to the Huntingdon incident.
- Possession of a bladed article on 1 November.
- Several other offences alleged to have been committed in the hours before the train attack.
Williams remains in custody and is awaiting further court hearings scheduled for the coming year.
The Palace reception served as a powerful recognition of civilian bravery, highlighting how the swift and selfless actions of ordinary people averted a greater tragedy on Britain's railways.
