Train hero who saved passengers during attack named

Samir Zitouni is credited with saving lives on the train

A rail worker credited with saving multiple lives during a mass stabbing on a train has been named as Samir Zitouni.

The 48-year-old's actions on the Doncaster to London King's Cross service on Saturday evening were described as "nothing short of heroic".

Mr Zitouni remains "critically unwell" but stable in hospital, British Transport Police said.

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder relating to the train stabbing and a count of attempted murder in connection with an attack in London on Saturday.

Mr Zitouni has worked for LNER for more than 20 years.

David Horne, LNER managing director, said: "In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him.

"His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening.

"Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery."

It is thought Mr Zitouni "blocked" the attacker from stabbing a girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck.

• What do we know about the Cambridgeshire train stabbings?

• The 20 terrifying minutes endured by train attack passengers

In a statement, his family said they were " immensely proud of Sam and his courage".

"The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us he's always been a hero," they said.

"We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well-wishes for his recovery.

"The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible."

Forensics officers remained at the scene on Sunday as investigations continued

On Monday morning, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told BBC Breakfast the bravery he showed was "utterly remarkable" after putting himself "in harm's way".

"There are people who are alive today who wouldn't be… were it not for his actions."

Peter McDonald, the Liberal Democrat chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, also paid tribute to the "extraordinary bravery" shown by Mr Zitouni.

He said: "In a moment of great danger, Sam put the safety of others before his own. Thanks to his courage and presence of mind, lives were saved."

He further praised the efforts of all the emergency service staff involved and those employed by the train operator and Network Rail.

Ten people on board the LNER train, which stopped at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire, were taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital.

An eleventh person went to the hospital later.

Seven of those have been discharged and four remain in a stable condition, British Transport Police said.

The attack took place on the 18:25 GMT LNER service from Doncaster, South Yorkshire to London's King's Cross station.

Passengers said one person brandishing a knife began stabbing people on the train after it passed through Peterborough.

Cambridgeshire Police had earlier said it was investigating whether the man accused of carrying out the attack was linked to an incident involving a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough and to two reports of a knifeman at a barbers' shop in the city.

On Friday the teenager was stabbed and a man was reported to be at the shop carrying a knife. The shop made a second report the next day.

British Transport Police (BTP), which is leading the investigation, has now said that "detectives from BTP are linking all these incidents, and active inquiries are being made".

Cambridgeshire Police is carrying out an internal review of events that occurred prior to the mass stabbing attacks on the train.

Chief Constable Simon Megicks said he had commissioned an internal review of events on Monday, but had since received a "formal request from police and crime commissioner Darryl Preston for this review".