A court has heard that Anthony Williams, 33, caused widespread terror on a London-bound train last November by stabbing multiple passengers and staff.
What Happened on the Train
On 1 November last year, Anthony Williams was on an LNER train from Huntingdon to London. Armed with a knife, he moved through the carriage and stabbed at least 10 people.
The attack happened in a busy section with no escape. Passengers ran for cover, hiding under seats, in toilets, or inside cabinets.
Many said they felt their lives were in immediate danger. The fear spread quickly, creating a sense of helplessness and panic.
Key Moments of the Attack
- Stephen Crean, a passenger, tried to wrestle the knife from Williams. He was stabbed in the hand, head, and lower back. This shows clear intent to kill.
- Scott Green, another passenger, was stabbed while grabbing the knife. His actions helped de-escalate the situation.
- Samir Zitouni, a train crew member, was stabbed multiple times. He used a frying pan to stop Williams, putting himself at risk.
- The train driver made an emergency stop in Huntingdon. This prevented further harm and contained the incident.
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC said the attack caused ‘terror and fear on an unimaginable scale’. The environment became one of panic and helplessness.
Background: A Pattern of Violence
Before the train attack, Williams had a history of violence. On 1 November, he approached a 17-year-old boy on the Docklands Light Railway and asked if he was ‘beefing the devil’. The boy was then stabbed in the face and hand.
On 31 October, Williams attacked three people in Peterborough, including a 14-year-old boy. These incidents occurred during the Halloween weekend, when public spaces are crowded and people are more vulnerable.
Paxton said Williams was ‘marauding’ through towns and cities with a knife. He targeted people who were afraid and defenseless, showing a pattern of escalating violence.
Legal Charges and Defence
Williams is accused of 14 counts of attempted murder and 12 counts of wounding. He admitted wounding 12 people but denies the 14 attempted murder charges.
Paxton said Williams used the knife with a clear intent to kill. He pointed to the words ‘Do you want to die?’ as direct evidence of murderous intent.
The prosecution says the multiple stabbings, including staff, show a deliberate effort to end lives — not just cause injury.
The defence has not yet presented its full case. But the prosecution says Williams posed a serious threat, especially in public transport where people are unprepared for sudden violence.
Passenger Responses and Courage
Some passengers chose to act despite extreme danger. Scott Green and Samir Zitouni were both injured, but their actions were acts of bravery.
Paxton praised the ‘extraordinary bravery’ of those who intervened. They put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
He said the fear was not just physical. It was psychological, spreading fast as people realized they were being targeted by a man with a knife and no intention of stopping.
What Comes Next
The trial continues. The court will decide whether Williams’ actions meet the legal standard for attempted murder.
The case remains a key example of violent disorder in public transport settings.
For more on this case, see the full report at The Guardian.
Sources & further reading
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