Shocking UK Train Mass Stabbing: Anthony Williams Charged with 11 Counts of Attempted Murder
Anthony Williams, 32, faces 11 attempted murder charges after a mass stabbing on an LNER train and a London station. Here’s everything we know so far — timeline, victims, and ongoing investigations.
Shocking Mass Stabbing on UK Train: What We Know So Far
In one of the most disturbing knife attacks in recent UK history, Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder after a violent stabbing spree that left 11 people injured aboard a London-bound train. The horrifying event, coupled with an earlier knife attack at Pontoon Dock DLR station, has reignited national outrage over knife crime and public transport safety.
Authorities say ten of the attempted murder charges stem from the November 1, 2025 incident on an LNER train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, while the eleventh charge relates to the Pontoon Dock assault earlier that day. Williams, who has addresses in Peterborough and Southampton, appeared in Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on November 3 and was remanded in custody until December 1 as investigations continue.
The Train Attack: Chaos and Heroism
What began as an ordinary evening journey turned into a scene of terror when passengers reported a man armed with a knife attacking commuters mid-journey. The train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon Station, Cambridgeshire, where armed police and medics rushed to assist.
Eyewitnesses described “bloodied carriages” and “people screaming for help.” Among those injured was a train crew member who heroically intervened, sustaining serious injuries but preventing further casualties. He remains in critical but stable condition.
British Transport Police confirmed that a knife was recovered at the scene and Williams was swiftly detained.
Court Proceedings and Charges
Anthony Williams faces a total of 14 charges, including:
| Charge Type | Count | Related Incident | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attempted Murder | 10 | Train Attack | Targeted stabbings aboard the LNER train |
| Attempted Murder | 1 | Pontoon Dock Station | Knife assault causing facial injuries |
| Assault (ABH) | 1 | In Custody | Assaulted police officer post-arrest |
| Possession of Bladed Article | 2 | Both Incidents | One per weapon used |
Williams appeared handcuffed and expressionless, confirming only his name and “no fixed abode” before being remanded. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated that the charges remain under review as further evidence — including CCTV footage and forensic data — is analyzed.
Timeline of Events: How the Violence Unfolded
| Time / Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| ~00:45 GMT, Nov 1 | Pontoon Dock Attack | Victim suffers facial injuries — leads to one attempted murder charge |
| 18:25 GMT, Nov 1 | Train Departs Doncaster | Passengers board unaware of impending danger |
| 19:39 GMT, Nov 1 | Emergency Call | Passengers report stabbings mid-journey |
| ~20:00 GMT, Nov 1 | Train Stops at Huntingdon | Armed officers intervene; 11 victims treated |
| Post-incident | Arrest and Custody | Williams detained and allegedly assaults officer |
| Nov 3 | Court Appearance | Williams remanded until December 1 hearing |
Authorities stress the incidents are not terrorism-related, though police continue exploring possible connections to other knife crimes in Cambridgeshire and London.
Victims and Acts of Bravery
The 11 victims represent a cross-section of ordinary passengers, with injuries ranging from minor wounds to life-threatening trauma. Named victims include Scott Bletcher, David Presland, Sachin Balakrishnan, Michael Paffett, Kevin Neely, Jonathan Gjoshe, Stephen Crean, Samir Zitouni, Rasza Aslam, and Scott Green.
A railway employee, praised by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, sustained critical injuries after confronting the attacker to protect passengers. Survivors described acts of solidarity and panic amid the chaos, with one victim telling Sky News:
“There was nowhere to go. We had to fight back to survive.”
Ongoing Investigations and Broader Implications
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy confirmed that the British Transport Police are examining whether Williams could be linked to three additional stabbings in the region. While the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) ruled out a formal probe, citing no prior police contact, the case has raised difficult questions about early intervention and mental health support.
Social media users on X (formerly Twitter) have voiced anger and disbelief, demanding tougher knife control laws and increased transport security, including expanded CCTV and police patrols.
Knife Crime in the UK: A Growing Crisis
The incident underscores the UK’s ongoing struggle with rising knife offences, which have reportedly increased by 7% in recent years. Experts point to complex causes, from social inequality and mental health to gaps in law enforcement.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has pledged stronger measures, including:
- Enhanced CCTV across train networks
- Increased presence of transport police
- Improved coordination with mental health services
Conclusion
As the nation awaits the December 1 court hearing, the mass stabbing on the UK train remains a chilling reminder of the fragility of everyday safety. The courage of passengers and railway staff prevented greater tragedy, but the psychological and physical scars will endure.
Authorities continue to call for witnesses and urge the public to remain vigilant as the debate on knife crime, transport safety, and mental health reform intensifies.