At a glance
• LNER worker Samir Zitouni, 48, reportedly used a frying pan to confront a knifeman on the Doncaster–London King’s Cross train, allowing passengers to escape
• MPs including Richard Holden and Lord Hanson have urged the government to recognise Mr Zitouni’s ‘selfless and outstanding bravery’ through the UK Honours system
• A GoFundMe page has raised over £1,000 to support him and his family as he recovers
Calls have been made for the hero LNER worker who bravely tackled a knifeman onboard a London-bound train to receive an honour for his gallantry.
Samir Zitouni, 48, known as Sam, remains in a critical condition in hospital after risking his life to confront the attacker who stabbed multiple people on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross train on Saturday evening.
The courageous LNER employee is understood to have grabbed a frying pan from the galley kitchen to battle the suspected knifeman, allowing passengers to flee to safety. He remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
Officers and eyewitnesses have credited him with saving multiple lives, with British Transport Police describing his actions as “nothing short of heroic”.
Shadow Secretary of State Richard Holden MP has written to the Minister of State MP Darren Jones requesting Mr Zitouni be recognised for his “acts of selfless and outstanding bravery”.
“Mr Zitouni is a highly respected member of staff with more than 20 years’ service on the railway,” the MP wrote.
“His courage on November 1 was not incidental; it was a conscious and selfless act to protect strangers, undertaken in the most violent and chaotic of circumstances, with no thought for his own safety.
“It represents the very definition of gallantry in civilian life.”
Mr Zitouni, who has worked for LNER for 20 years, has been described by friends as “kind”, “helpful” and someone who always puts others before himself.
Home Office minister Lord Hanson has also issued calls for Mr Zitouni to be honoured for his “tremendous bravery”.
Lord Hanson said Mr Zitouni was the “sort of person who would normally be serving tea or refreshments” on services, but “he has stepped up to the plate and put his own life at risk in taking really strong steps here,” he told the House of Lords last night.
Mr Zitouni’s family said in a statement: “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, managing director at LNER, said yesterday: “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.”
Thirteen people were injured, eight of whom remain in hospital, after a knifeman went on a rampage aboard a London-bound train on Saturday.
Police met the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service when it made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, shortly before 8pm.
Anthony Williams, 32, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following the mass stabbing. He was remanded into custody.
A Gofundme page has been launched to support Samir and his family. Any donations will go towards covering expenses as he remains in critical condition in hospital.
“I have previously had the privilege of working alongside Sam, and anyone who knows him will tell you he is an incredible person, always kind, always helpful, and always putting others before himself,” the fundraiser reads.
“This GoFundMe has been set up to support Sam and his family during this unimaginably difficult time... if you can, please consider donating or sharing this page.
“Let’s come together to support a true hero who gave everything to protect others.”
Over £1,000 has been raised for Mr Zitouni so far.
