Anthony Williams Charged: 10 Counts of Attempted Murder After Knife Attack on LNER Train in Cambridgeshire

Anthony Williams Charged: 10 Counts of Attempted Murder After Knife Attack on LNER Train in Cambridgeshire

A 32-year-old man from Peterborough faces serious charges today after a knife attack injured 11 people on a high-speed train heading to London. Anthony Williams appeared in court this morning, accused of multiple stabbings on an LNER service from Doncaster to King's Cross. The incident took place around 7:42 p.m. on November 1, 2025, leading to an emergency stop at Huntingdon station and a rapid police response.

Passengers described chaos during the attack, which began about an hour into the journey after leaving Peterborough. British Transport Police reported that all 11 victims received hospital treatment. Two remain in serious but stable condition, including a rail worker who intervened to protect others. The remaining nine have been discharged from care.

Armed officers from Cambridgeshire Police and British Transport Police boarded the train within eight minutes of the first emergency call. They arrested Williams and a 35-year-old man from London. Police released the second man on Sunday evening after CCTV evidence cleared him of any role. Officials have found no evidence linking the attack to terrorism.

Quick Response Limits Further Harm on the Doncaster-London Service

The train, carrying passengers through Cambridgeshire, stopped at Huntingdon following the alert from onboard staff. Driver Andrew Johnson helped coordinate the safe halt and notified control centers, allowing emergency teams to respond efficiently. Forensic experts examined the scene overnight, and Huntingdon station remained closed into Monday, affecting local services.

A rail staff member's actions drew widespread recognition. Footage shows him stepping in to stop the attacker, likely preventing additional injuries. British Transport Police Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy commented on the bravery Sunday. "Detectives have reviewed the CCTV from the train and it is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people's lives." The staff member, now recovering with family support, acted decisively amid the confusion.

Witnesses shared accounts with media outlets, noting the worker's efforts to shield a young passenger from harm. Police continue to seek mobile phone videos or other details, asking the public to contact them on 0800 40 50 40.

Medical teams and emergency responders assist victims on the train after the Cambridgeshire LNER stabbing, providing urgent care at the scene.

Court Hearing: Full List of Charges Against Williams in Peterborough

Williams, held in custody, entered Peterborough Magistrates' Court early Monday. He faces 10 counts of attempted murder related to the train incident, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possessing a bladed article. Prosecutors added a further attempted murder charge and possession offense linked to a separate stabbing at Pontoon Dock DLR station on November 1.

The brief hearing saw Williams confirm only his name and address. He is due back in crown court later this month as the investigation continues. Authorities have reviewed extensive evidence, including CCTV, and may file additional charges.

The Broader Costs: How Rail Attacks Strain Budgets and Riders

Incidents like this one carry heavy financial weight for Britain's rail network, starting with immediate disruptions that halt services and rack up expenses. LNER managed overtime shifts, site cleanups, and station closures this weekend, costs that easily hit £50,000-£100,000 for a single event based on similar cases.

Claims from victims add another layer, covering medical treatment, time off work, and emotional support under laws like the Protection of Freedoms Act. Average awards run £20,000-£50,000 per major injury, according to Rail Accident Investigation Branch records. Network Rail and operators' insurers cover most, but findings of security gaps can drive premiums up 10-15%, leading to higher fares or taxpayer contributions.

According to analysis reviewed by Finance Monthly, follow-up security measures – such as better cameras or training – cost £5-10 million after comparable 2023 events, diverting funds from track upgrades. For everyday travelers, this means gradual fare increases of 2-4% annually, adding £2-4 to a typical £100 ticket. Delays also push more people to cars or taxis, bumping weekly travel costs by £20-50 for commuters.

Office of Rail and Road reviews point out a key trend: Such attacks erode public trust, cutting ridership 5-8% for months and costing the industry £50-100 million in lost revenue each year. In a 2024 example, an anonymized operator faced £2.1 million in payouts and a 12% premium rise after a platform incident, postponing planned discounts.

One practical step: If you commute by rail, add "personal accident" coverage to your travel policy – options from providers like Aviva reimburse up to £10,000 for assault-related claims at £5-10 extra per year, recovering 70% of typical outlays in recent reports. Use apps like Trainline to file delay claims promptly; enhanced processes returned £1.2 million quicker last year.

Key Searches: Reader Questions on the Cambridgeshire Train Attack

What Exactly Happened in the Huntingdon Train Stabbing Incident?

The knife attack occurred at 7:42 p.m. on November 1 on the 6:25 p.m. LNER train from Doncaster to King's Cross, injuring 11 people. Anthony Williams was arrested at Huntingdon eight minutes after the first call; a second detainee was released.

Was the Cambridgeshire Train Attack Linked to Terrorism?

No terror connection has emerged, per British Transport Police. The focus remains on individual factors, as stated by Superintendent John Loveless.

What Charges Does Anthony Williams Face After the Train Stabbing?

He stands accused of 10 counts of attempted murder, one actual bodily harm, and possession of a bladed article for the train, plus one more attempted murder and possession for the DLR incident.