Passengers and Staff Fight Knife Attacker with Kitchen Utensils

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 29, 2026

Staff and passengers aboard an LNER train subdued Anthony Williams, who stabbed ten people during a five-minute attack on a service from Doncaster to London last November. The trial continues in Cambridge as investigators probe Williams’s prior related assaults and seek to understand his motives.

Staff and passengers aboard an LNER train fought off a knife attacker last year by using kitchen utensils, a court heard Tuesday. The incident occurred on November 1 during a service traveling from Doncaster to London.

Anthony Williams, 33, is accused of stabbing ten people in a rampage lasting approximately five minutes. Prosecutor Christopher Paxton described the attack as an episode of terror on the train. CCTV footage shown in Cambridge Crown Court captured LNER employee Sam Zitouni pushing Williams away while wielding a frying pan. Another passenger was seen raising a toaster in defense.

Zitouni himself sustained multiple stab wounds during the assault but played a key role in halting the attacker. According to the prosecution, Williams also stabbed four individuals in the 24 hours before the train attack, including a 14-year-old boy who passed him on a footbridge in Peterborough. Williams, a resident of Peterborough, denies 14 counts of attempted murder.

The trial is ongoing, with court proceedings continuing in Cambridge. Authorities are examining the full extent of the incidents linked to Williams and his motivations remain under investigation.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.