A British man has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following a mass stabbing on a high-speed LNER train in central England on Saturday evening. The attack left nine people with life-threatening injuries, one of whom remains in critical condition.
Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, appeared in court on Monday and was remanded in custody. He did not enter any plea and told the court he had “no fixed abode.” His next hearing is scheduled for December 1. In addition to the attempted murder charges, Williams faces accusations of actual bodily harm and possession of a bladed article.
Police say Williams is also charged with another attempted murder in a separate attack that occurred earlier the same day at Pontoon Dock Station in London.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive, but the British Transport Police (BTP) have said that no evidence currently suggests the attacks were terror-related.
How the incident unfolded
The stabbing occurred shortly after the Doncaster–London train departed Peterborough at 6:25 p.m. Witnesses described sudden screams coming from a nearby carriage before injured passengers ran through the train seeking help, some with severe wounds to the arm and torso.
One passenger recalled seeing people bolt through the corridors as others barricaded themselves inside train toilets. Photos from the aftermath showed blood-soaked seats, abandoned belongings, and medical equipment scattered across the platform.
Cambridgeshire police received their first call at 7:39 p.m. and deployed armed units immediately. Within 11 minutes, officers boarded the train after it made an emergency stop at Huntingdon Station. Two suspects were initially detained, though one was later released.
Police briefly activated “Plato,” the national response protocol for a marauding terrorist attack, before standing it down once the situation was under control.
Victims and injuries
A total of 11 people received hospital treatment. Ten were transported by ambulance, nine with life-threatening injuries. One additional victim later arrived at the hospital independently.
As of Sunday evening, one person — an LNER staff member who reportedly attempted to stop the attacker — remains in critical condition. Police praised his “heroic” actions, saying CCTV footage indicated he likely prevented further casualties. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that five victims are still being treated in hospital.
Knife violence in the UK
Mass casualty attacks remain rare in the United Kingdom, where overall homicide rates and gun crime are comparatively low. Knife crime, however, has risen, with more than 51,000 knife-related offenses recorded in England and Wales in the 12 months up to June 2025.
Leaders across the political spectrum reacted with shock. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, and King Charles III all issued statements expressing sympathy for the victims and gratitude to emergency responders.
The attack took place on the East Coast Main Line — one of the country’s busiest rail corridors, connecting London with major cities including Peterborough, York, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.
