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Armed police stormed LNER service after multiple passengers were stabbed on Doncaster to London King’s Cross route
A 32-year-old man from Peterborough has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following a horrific knife attack aboard a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
Police identified the suspect as Anthony Williams, who was arrested by armed officers at Huntingdon Station within minutes of the first 999 call. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as terrified passengers fled down the carriages to escape the attacker. At least 11 people were taken to hospital, including a railway employee now in critical condition after reportedly stepping in to protect others.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that Williams also faces charges of actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. A second man detained at the scene was later released without charge. Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy praised the “heroic and selfless actions” of the train staff and driver, adding that their response “undoubtedly saved lives.”
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.
Latest: Anthony Williams: Profile of the Huntingdon Train Knife Attacker Charged with 10 Murders
Witnesses said the violence began suddenly in one of the middle carriages, triggering panic as passengers scrambled to reach safety.
“It was absolute chaos — people were screaming and pressing the emergency buttons,” one passenger said. “We didn’t know if there were more attackers.”
The Doncaster–London high-speed service was placed under Operation Plato — the UK’s emergency protocol for potential terror incidents — but police later confirmed it is not being treated as terrorism-related.
Investigators are now reviewing CCTV and eyewitness accounts to determine motive and sequence of events.
One LNER staff member remains in a life-threatening condition after reportedly confronting the suspect.
“Having viewed the CCTV, the actions of the rail staff were nothing short of heroic,” said Deputy Chief Constable Cundy. “They placed themselves directly in harm’s way to protect passengers.”
Train driver Andrew Johnson was also commended for stopping the train at the platform and assisting police communications — a move officials say prevented further casualties.
LNER said it is offering full counselling and support to passengers and employees, calling the event “an unthinkable tragedy for everyone on board.”
Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder after the knife attack on an LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. Arrested at Huntingdon Station within minutes, he appeared before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody.
Police have also linked him to earlier knife incidents the same day in both London and Peterborough. Sources indicate that Williams has a history of mental health issues and was known to authorities.
BTP has confirmed that while Counter Terrorism Policing assisted initially, the case is not being treated as terror-related. Investigators are examining CCTV, phone data, and social media to establish motive and background.
If you’re hurt in a train or bus attack, the key legal question is simple: who is responsible, and can you claim compensation?
Under UK negligence law, transport operators such as LNER owe passengers a duty of care — maintaining trained staff, CCTV, emergency systems, and effective responses. When that duty fails, victims may sue for negligence.
Additionally, passengers may qualify for a Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) award — a government-backed scheme for victims of violent crime, even when the operator isn’t directly at fault.
Victims may be eligible for compensation covering:
Hospital and medical treatment
Therapy or counselling costs
Lost income or trauma-related leave
Long-term psychological injuries
Severe cases have seen awards exceeding £200,000, depending on injury and lasting impact.
Report immediately to police and the rail operator.
Preserve medical reports, witness details, and photos.
Contact a solicitor experienced in CICA or transport negligence.
File your CICA claim within two years.
Keep records of all losses and expenses.
Train operators often argue such attacks are “unforeseeable,” but UK courts increasingly view passenger security as part of operational duty, especially on intercity routes.
If investigations reveal failures in staffing, alarms, or response time, victims’ claims may be significantly strengthened.
Victims of violent public transport incidents have clear legal rights. Whether through civil negligence claims or CICA compensation, the law recognizes your right to justice and recovery.
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.
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.
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.
