A 32-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder following a mass stabbing on a London-bound train that left 11 passengers injured, two of them critically.
British Transport Police (BTP) named the suspect as Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, who was arrested after the train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon station in eastern England on Saturday evening.
Prosecutors confirmed that Williams faces 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possessing a bladed article in connection with the attack. Police said he has also been charged with an additional count of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article related to a separate incident earlier that day at Pontoon Dock station in London.
Authorities said the attacks are not being treated as terrorism-related, though investigations are ongoing to determine whether there are any other linked offences.
The train, travelling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, was packed with evening commuters when the violence broke out at around 7:40pm (19:40 GMT). Passengers described scenes of chaos as bloodied travellers fled carriages in panic.
Emergency services responded within minutes. Armed officers, paramedics, and two air ambulances rushed to Huntingdon, where the train was halted. A knife was later recovered at the scene, and CCTV footage reportedly captured a train crew member stepping in to restrain the attacker.
“He literally put himself in harm’s way,” said Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, praising the worker’s bravery. “There will be people who are alive today because of his actions.” The crew member remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Alexander confirmed that Williams was not known to counterterrorism police or national security services, though she declined to comment on any history of mental health issues.
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BTP said its officers were on the scene within eight minutes of the first distress call — a response time praised as “exceptionally swift” given the circumstances.
Williams is due to appear before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Police continue to appeal for witnesses and have asked anyone who was on the train to come forward with photos, videos, or further information.