Man charged with 11 attempted murders after mass stabbing on London train

The LNER Azuma train involved in Saturday's mass stabbing attack being moved from Huntingdon Station (Symbolic image) (Photo by CHRIS RADBURN/AFP via Getty Images) Getty Images

A 32-year-old man faces 11 counts of attempted murder following a mass stabbing on a London-bound train. Anthony Williams from Peterborough appeared at Peterborough Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The Crown Prosecution Service charged Williams after reviewing extensive evidence including CCTV footage from Saturday's attack. He also faces charges for a separate incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station on the same day.

Tracy Easton, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Direct, confirmed sufficient evidence exists to bring the case to trial. "We know the devastating impact the events on Saturday's train has had and how the incident shocked the entire country," she said. "Our thoughts remain with all those affected."

The attack unfolded on the 6:25 pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross shortly after the train left Peterborough station. Eleven people required hospital treatment. Five remain hospitalized, with one LNER staff member in critical but stable condition.

Heroic Intervention

British Transport Police praised the injured railway worker's actions as "nothing short of heroic." The staff member attempted to stop the attacker and protect passengers.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Sky News: "There are people who are alive today because of his actions and his bravery. He went in to do his job and he left work a hero."

Train driver Andrew Johnson, a Royal Navy veteran, diverted the service to Huntingdon station for emergency response. Armed police arrested two men within eight minutes of the emergency call.

Witness Accounts

Passenger Dayna Arnold described a terrifying encounter with the attacker. "I fell down and I just said, 'Please don't kill me'," she told the Mirror. "Something shifted in his face and he just carried on. He said: 'The devil is not going to win.'"

Other passengers reported hiding in toilets and using clothing to stem bleeding. One witness described seeing people "drenched in blood."

Investigation Continues

British Transport Police Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy emphasized the priority remains supporting victims and the criminal investigation. "Our investigation is also looking at other possible linked offences," he stated.

Alexander confirmed the suspect was not known to counter-terrorism police, security services, or the Prevent programme. She declined to comment on whether he was known to mental health services. Police have stated the incident is not being treated as terrorism.

A 35-year-old man initially detained was later released with no further action after officers confirmed he was not involved.

Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).