Huntingdon Train Stabbings: Suspect Anthony Williams Charged With 11 Counts of Attempted Murder as Police Probe Links to Other Knife Incidents
Police are investigating whether the suspect accused of a knife rampage aboard a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train is linked to several other recent knife incidents, including the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy.
Anthony Williams, 32, appeared in court today (Monday 3 November) charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and two counts of possessing a bladed article. He has been remanded in custody.
Court documents reportedly list the Suspect, Anthony Williams, as residing at Cuckmere Lane, Southampton, according to the BBC.
The charges relate to a series of stabbings that took place on Saturday evening aboard the 6:25 pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. The train had just left Peterborough Station when passengers reported that a man began attacking people with a knife.
The train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon Station, where armed officers boarded, tasered, and arrested the suspect. Police confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related.
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Victims and Emergency Response
Eleven people were taken to hospital for treatment following the attack. According to British Transport Police (BTP), five of those injured have since been discharged, while others remain in hospital, including one railway staff member who is critically unwell after attempting to stop the attacker.
In a statement, Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy of BTP said:
“Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident. This was a fast-moving, deeply distressing event for everyone involved. We continue to support those affected and their families, as well as the officers and railway staff who responded so bravely.”
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Possible Links to Other Knife Incidents
Detectives are now examining whether Williams could be linked to three other recent incidents, including:
• The stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough on Friday.
• Two reports of a man seen carrying a knife in a local barber’s shop on the same day.
BTP confirmed they are “actively exploring” these connections as part of their wider investigation.
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Court Proceedings
Williams appeared briefly before Cambridge Magistrates’ Court earlier today. The case has been sent to Cambridge Crown Court, where he will next appear later this month.
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Reactions From Officials
Speaking in the House of Commons, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood told MPs:
“This was a horrific act of violence that has shocked the nation. My thoughts are with those who have been injured and their loved ones. I can confirm that the suspect was not known to the security services. The bravery of the train staff and police officers who responded so swiftly deserves our utmost gratitude.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “an appalling incident,” adding:
“This was a deeply concerning act of violence. My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response. It is essential that we let the police do their work and ensure justice is served.”
King Charles III and Queen Camilla also issued a statement through Buckingham Palace, saying:
“We are truly appalled and shocked to hear of the dreadful knife attack on the LNER train. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all those affected, and their loved ones. We also send our sincere gratitude to the emergency services for their swift and courageous response.”
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Praise for Rail Staff
Nigel Roebuck, General Secretary of the train drivers’ union ASLEF, praised the train driver’s actions during the emergency:
“The driver did everything he was trained to do, at the right time and in the right way. He showed real courage, real dedication, and real determination in the most difficult of circumstances. We are proud of him and his colleagues who went beyond the call of duty to protect passengers.”
Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes echoed that sentiment, telling Parliament:
“The driver and his colleagues went beyond the call of duty in circumstances that no one should ever face. Their professionalism and courage helped save lives.”
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Ongoing Investigation
Huntingdon Station, which was closed following the incident, has since reopened. BTP continue to review CCTV footage, collect witness statements, and appeal for passengers to share mobile phone footage from the train.
Police are maintaining an increased presence at railway stations across Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire as services return to normal.
“We recognise how distressing this has been for passengers and the wider public,” Deputy Chief Constable Cundy added. “Anyone affected by what they witnessed is encouraged to come forward for support.”