A 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with a mass stabbing on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train in Cambridgeshire and is also accused of carrying out a separate knife attack at a London station earlier the same day, police have confirmed.
According to British Transport Police (BTP), Anthony Williams will appear before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday, facing 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possession of a bladed article following the violent attack on the 6:25 p.m. Doncaster to London King’s Cross service on Saturday.
Williams is also facing one additional count of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in connection with an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in east London earlier that day, where a man sustained facial injuries after being attacked with a knife.
Five Hospitalised, One in Critical Condition
An LNER staff member remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital following the stabbing spree. Four other victims are also receiving treatment for their injuries.
Police declared a major incident when the train came to a stop at Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, after passengers pulled emergency alarms. Officers responded within minutes, arresting two men at the scene. One was later released after police determined he was not involved.
The attack reportedly began shortly after the train departed Peterborough station.
Investigation and Motive
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether mental health played a role. However, police have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the suspect was not known to counter-terrorism police or MI5, but declined to comment on any prior contact with mental health services.
“This was a terrifying incident for those onboard,” Alexander said. “We are ensuring all passengers affected receive the support they need as investigations continue.”