A “heroic” member of staff who was seriously injured after the mass stabbing onboard a train in Cambridgeshire on Saturday has been praised for his “incredibly brave” actions to protect passengers.
Samir Zitouni, 48, who has worked for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for more than 20 years, remains in hospital after the attacks.
After the incident, police officers who had reviewed CCTV footage of the incident from within the train said it was clear Zitouni’s actions were “nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives”.
He was one of 11 people treated in hospital after the attack on the moving high-speed train from Doncaster to London on Saturday evening. Anthony Williams, 32, has appeared at Peterborough magistrates court charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident.
On Tuesday, Zitouni’s family said in a statement released through LNER: “We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well wishes for his recovery.
“The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible.
“We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us – he’s always been a hero.”
David Horne, the managing director of LNER, said: “In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him.
“His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
The transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Sam went to work on Saturday morning to do his job. He left a hero. His remarkable quick thinking and selfless action saved lives and he has demonstrated bravery beyond measure. I want to send my very best wishes to him and his family.”
Among the injured was Jonathan Gjoshe, a 22-year-old Scunthorpe United footballer, who was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
In a statement, his club said: “Everyone at the club, from the board, management and his teammates, along with all staff behind the scenes, sends our heartfelt well wishes to Jonathan for a full recovery, which is also extended to all the victims onboard the train.”
Another of the victims has been named as Stephen Crean, 61. The Nottingham Forest football fan reportedly confronted the train attacker, going face to face with him in the carriage.
Police said four people remained in hospital after the stabbing on Tuesday. They include Zitouni, who is stable but critically unwell, and three other passengers described as being in stable condition.
A total of 11 people were treated in hospital, with seven now discharged.
Cambridgeshire police said they would hold an internal review after three knife incidents were reported to them in the Peterborough area in the 24 hours before the train incident.
The attacker boarded the train at Peterborough, in eastern England, and has links to the city.
The reported incidents include an attack on a 14-year-old boy on Friday evening in Peterborough city centre, and two incidents where a knife was seen at a barber’s shop, both times held by the same man.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, has decided the police handling of those three incidents does not need to be investigated by itself.
