Brave Fan Intervenes in Train Attack
A 61-year-old football fan has been hailed a hero after bravely intervening during a violent attack on a London-bound train, suffering injuries that will permanently affect the use of his left hand.
Stephen Crean, a Nottingham Forest supporter from Wimbledon, was travelling home from his team's match against Manchester United on November 1 when the assault occurred on the LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross.
The Nightmare Confrontation
Mr Crean recalled the terrifying moment he grabbed the knife during the confrontation, feeling the blade "twist and turn" in his hand. The incident left him with deep cuts and lasting damage.
"Even though the cuts might be deep at the back, it's the hand. I can feel it especially at nighttime, it's a nightmare," he told the BBC.
Following the attack, armed officers boarded the train at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire. Eleven people were taken to hospital for treatment.
Long Road to Recovery
Mr Crean has undergone one operation on his arm and fingers since the attack. Doctors have told him they will try to restore 75% use of his hand, but full recovery isn't expected.
This presents particular challenges for Mr Crean, who works at a printers and is left-handed. He's currently unable to work as he recovers at home.
"I will get better. I know [my hand] won't be 100%, but it will get better," he stated, taking his physical recovery "day by day."
Despite the life-changing injuries, the brave fan insists he has "no regrets" about intervening.
Community Support and Emotional Aftermath
Mr Crean described the most emotional moment after the attack as seeing his family, saying "I was in absolute bits because I don't want anyone, especially my family, to see me like this."
He's found that talking about the incident serves as a kind of "cure" during his recovery.
The Nottingham Forest community has rallied around their season ticket holder of 35 years. When he returned to watch Forest play Leeds at the City Ground on November 9, he received a standing ovation from fans.
He also received handshakes and praise from coach Sean Dyche and owner Evangelos Marinakis.
"It meant the world to me. I could see people clapping, applauding and I just thank them so much," Mr Crean said.
Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with ten counts of attempted murder, including one relating to Mr Crean. He also faces charges of possessing a bladed article and ABH for an alleged assault on a police officer in custody, plus additional charges relating to a separate earlier incident.
