British Man Charged with 10 Counts of Attempted Murder After Mass Stabbing on UK Train

A 32-year-old British man has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following a horrific mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train that left several passengers critically injured.

The suspect, Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, allegedly carried out the violent rampage on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train traveling through Cambridgeshire on Saturday evening.

The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that nine victims sustained life-threatening injuries, while one remains in critical condition. The attack, described by authorities as a “major incident,” took place shortly after the train departed Peterborough station.

Williams faces additional charges of actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article, as well as another count of attempted murder linked to a separate stabbing earlier that day at Pontoon Dock Station in London. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.

Passengers Fled in Panic

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and terror as the attack unfolded. Passenger Wren Chambers told the BBC that she “heard screaming and shouting” before seeing a man running past with a severe arm wound.

“I got up and moved down the train as far as I could,” she said, adding that others tried to barricade themselves in the train’s toilets as blood stained the carriage floors.

Emergency services received their first call at 7:42 p.m., and armed officers arrived within minutes. The train made an unplanned stop at Huntingdon Station, where two suspects were arrested — though one was later released.

BTP Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said investigators were exploring potential links between both attacks but stressed that no evidence currently suggests terrorism.

Police revealed that an LNER staff member was among those critically injured after he attempted to confront the attacker.

“His actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives,” BTP said in a statement.

A total of 11 people were treated in hospital following the incident, 10 of whom were taken by ambulance.

The stabbings have sparked shock and grief across the United Kingdom.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his condolences, writing on X (formerly Twitter):

“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened,” while King Charles III and Queen Camilla released a statement saying they were “truly appalled and shocked” by the attack.

“Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all those affected and their loved ones,” the monarch said.

The attack took place on the East Coast Main Line, one of the UK’s busiest routes, connecting London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverly.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses as investigations into the motive and background of the suspect intensify.