Anthony Williams: Profile of the Huntingdon Train Knife Attacker Charged with 10 Murders

Who is Anthony Williams? Profile of the Huntingdon Train Knife Attacker Charged with 10 Murders

The Suspect and the Charges

Anthony Williams, a 32-year-old man from Peterborough, has been formally charged in connection with the mass stabbing that occurred on an LNER train travelling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday evening, November 1, 2025. Although terrorism has been ruled out, sources have confirmed that the suspect has a history of mental health issues and was already known to authorities.

After a brief appearance before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday 3 November, 2025, Anthony Williams has been remanded in custody pending further proceedings. Williams is facing a series of serious charges connected to violent incidents in both Cambridgeshire and London over the weekend.

WATCH: Chilling CCTV Shows LNER Knifeman Anthony Williams with Knife Minutes Before Train Attack

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that Williams, of Langford Road, Peterborough, faces serious charges including:

• Ten counts of attempted murder — linked to a stabbing attack on a train in Cambridgeshire on Saturday.

• Actual bodily harm (ABH) — relating to an alleged assault on a police officer in a custody suite following the train incident.

• One count of possession of a bladed article — in connection with the Cambridgeshire train attack.

• One further count of attempted murder — connected to a separate incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London in the early hours of Saturday.

• One additional count of possession of a bladed article — relating to the Pontoon Dock DLR station incident.

In a significant and separate development, BTP announced that Williams has also been charged with an additional count of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article connected to an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station earlier on the same day (November 1). Police are also Police are investigating the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough as one of three knife-related incidents in the city that are believed to be connected to the suspect in the Huntingdon train stabbings.

In court earlier, prosecutors stated that Anthony Williams is also accused of assaulting a police officer following the stabbing attack on a train in Cambridgeshire on Saturday. The alleged assault took place inside a custody suite shortly after Williams’ arrest and is said to have left the officer with a broken nose, the court heard.

First Picture of Anthony Williams: The Night before the Train Attacks

Chilling CCTV footage reportedly shows Anthony Williams, 32, pacing outside a barbershop on Friday night, shortly after he allegedly stabbed a 14-year-old boy, according to The Sun.

The 15 Minutes of Terror

The chaotic incident began shortly after the 6:25 pm LNER service departed Peterborough station around 7:30 pm. The entire episode, from the start of the stabbings to the suspect's arrest, unfolded in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

• The attack started in one of the middle carriages (reportedly Coach J) after the train left Peterborough.
• Passengers described scenes of "pure chaos," "blood everywhere," and "absolute panic" as people fled down carriages, locking themselves in toilets and the buffet car to escape the assailant, who was seen brandishing a large knife.
• BTP was first alerted at 19:42 GMT, and the train was brought to an emergency stop at Huntingdon station at 19:44 GMT by the driver.
• Armed police officers were deployed rapidly, boarding the train and apprehending Williams on the platform within eight minutes of the initial 999 call. Witnesses reported the suspect shouting "kill me, kill me" as police subdued him with a Taser.

Heroism and Casualties

A total of eleven people, including passengers and staff, were treated in hospital following the attack.

• Life-Threatening Injuries: One person remains in a life-threatening condition—a heroic member of LNER rail staff who was on the train and attempted to stop the attacker. BTP Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy confirmed that the staff member’s actions, visible on CCTV, were "nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people's lives."
• Other Victims: Five casualties have since been discharged from hospital.
• Driver Commended: Train driver Andrew Johnson has also been hailed as "courageous" for his presence of mind, ensuring the train stopped at the station platform for immediate police and paramedic access, rather than stopping mid-route.

Investigation and Context

While Counter Terrorism Policing initially assisted the probe, the incident has officially been ruled not terror-related.

• Lone Suspect: A second man, aged 35, who was arrested at the scene, has been released without charge after police established he was not involved. Williams is now being treated as the only suspect in the train stabbings.
• Motive: The motive for the attack is not yet known, but specialist detectives are investigating Williams's background and the events that led up to the attack.

The royal family, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, expressed their shock and sympathy for those impacted by the "horrific events."

FAQs: Train Horror — What We Know About the Huntingdon LNER Stabbings

1. Who is Anthony Williams, the man charged in the Huntingdon train stabbings?

Anthony Williams, 32, from Langford Road, Peterborough, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after a violent knife attack aboard a Doncaster to London King’s Cross LNER train on November 1, 2025.
British Transport Police (BTP) also confirmed he faces one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH) and one count of possession of a bladed article linked to the train attack. In a related development, Williams has been charged with an additional attempted murder and bladed article possession connected to a separate incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station earlier that same day.

2. How long did the train attack last and how did police respond so quickly?

The stabbing spree lasted around 10 to 15 minutes. The first 999 call came in at 7:42 p.m., and within eight minutes, armed officers had intercepted the train, which made an emergency stop at Huntingdon Station.
Passengers described the terrifying moments as “pure chaos,” with people fleeing carriages and locking themselves in toilets for safety. Police subdued Williams using a Taser after witnesses reported him shouting “kill me, kill me.” The driver, Andrew Johnson, has been praised for his quick thinking, ensuring the train stopped at the platform for immediate police and paramedic access.

3. Can victims of the train attack claim compensation or legal support?

Yes. Passengers and staff injured during the attack may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) — a government program supporting victims of violent crime in public places.
In addition, they may pursue civil claims against LNER if investigations find that the rail operator failed in its duty of care, such as insufficient staffing, emergency response delays, or lack of adequate safety measures. Victims should gather evidence, contact the British Transport Police, and seek advice from a personal injury solicitor specializing in railway negligence and criminal injury claims.