Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Stabbing Spree on LNER Train
Published 3 November 2025
Highlights
- Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder following a stabbing spree on an LNER train.
- The attack occurred on a train traveling from Doncaster to London, resulting in 11 hospitalizations, with one person critically injured.
- Williams appeared in court and was remanded in custody, with the next hearing scheduled for December 1 at Cambridge Crown Court.
- British Transport Police confirmed the incident was not terrorism-related and urged the public to provide information.
- The train was diverted to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where the suspect was arrested within 20 minutes of the attack.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Stabbing Spree on LNER Train
A high-speed train journey from Doncaster to London turned into a scene of chaos and fear on Saturday night when a man armed with a knife attacked multiple passengers. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Anthony Williams from Peterborough, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, among other charges, following the incident on the LNER train.
The Attack Unfolds
The train had departed Doncaster and was en route to London when the attack began shortly after leaving Peterborough station. Passengers described a terrifying scene as the suspect, wielding a large kitchen knife, moved through the carriages. Amira Ostalski, a student from Nottingham University, recounted how she fled to the rear of the train upon hearing screams of "knife, knife." Another passenger, YouTuber Olly Foster, initially mistook the commotion for a prank until he saw blood on a nearby seat.
Emergency Response and Arrest
The train was diverted to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where police arrested Williams within 20 minutes of the attack. British Transport Police confirmed that the incident was not linked to terrorism and urged witnesses to come forward. Eleven people were hospitalized, with one LNER staff member in critical condition. The swift police response included the use of a stun gun to subdue the suspect.
Court Proceedings
Williams appeared in Peterborough Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody. The Crown Prosecution Service has charged him with 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article. The case is set to continue at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1. Tracy Easton, chief crown prosecutor, emphasized the public interest in pursuing the case, citing the incident's profound impact.
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Scenario Analysis
As the legal proceedings against Anthony Williams progress, the focus will likely shift to the evidence gathered by the British Transport Police, including CCTV footage and witness testimonies. The upcoming court hearings will determine the extent of Williams' culpability and the potential for additional charges. This incident has reignited discussions around public transport safety, prompting authorities to review security measures on trains. The public's response and cooperation will be crucial in ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future occurrences.
A high-speed train journey from Doncaster to London turned into a scene of chaos and fear on Saturday night when a man armed with a knife attacked multiple passengers. The suspect, identified as 32-year-old Anthony Williams from Peterborough, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, among other charges, following the incident on the LNER train.
The Attack Unfolds
The train had departed Doncaster and was en route to London when the attack began shortly after leaving Peterborough station. Passengers described a terrifying scene as the suspect, wielding a large kitchen knife, moved through the carriages. Amira Ostalski, a student from Nottingham University, recounted how she fled to the rear of the train upon hearing screams of "knife, knife." Another passenger, YouTuber Olly Foster, initially mistook the commotion for a prank until he saw blood on a nearby seat.
Emergency Response and Arrest
The train was diverted to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where police arrested Williams within 20 minutes of the attack. British Transport Police confirmed that the incident was not linked to terrorism and urged witnesses to come forward. Eleven people were hospitalized, with one LNER staff member in critical condition. The swift police response included the use of a stun gun to subdue the suspect.
Court Proceedings
Williams appeared in Peterborough Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody. The Crown Prosecution Service has charged him with 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article. The case is set to continue at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1. Tracy Easton, chief crown prosecutor, emphasized the public interest in pursuing the case, citing the incident's profound impact.
What this might mean
As the legal proceedings against Anthony Williams progress, the focus will likely shift to the evidence gathered by the British Transport Police, including CCTV footage and witness testimonies. The upcoming court hearings will determine the extent of Williams' culpability and the potential for additional charges. This incident has reignited discussions around public transport safety, prompting authorities to review security measures on trains. The public's response and cooperation will be crucial in ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future occurrences.
