By Karim Hammam
CCTV footage shown at Cambridge Crown Court depicts a train crew member using a frying pan to fend off a knifeman during a mass stabbing on a Doncaster to London King's Cross train on 1 November 2025.
Prosecutor Describes Bravery
Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC told jurors that Samir Zitouni showed "sheer courage and bravery in seeking to save lives and defend others" during the attack by Anthony Williams, 33, of Peterborough.
Details of the Attack
Williams denies attempting to murder 10 people aboard the train, three people in Peterborough the day before, and a boy at a London railway station. The trial focuses on whether he intended to kill his victims.
CCTV Evidence
Footage played in court shows Zitouni using the pan against Williams before the train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. Zitouni suffered punctured lungs, required four blood transfusions, chest drains, and a ventilator.
Other Passengers' Actions
Passenger Raza Aslam grabbed a frying pan but was stabbed in the hand; Zitouni threw objects at Williams and saved Aslam's life. Aslam described Williams as having "the greatest delight on his face" and loving "every single moment."
Hand-to-Hand Fighting
Sachin Balakrishnan was stabbed in the forearm and chest, puncturing a lung. Scott Green, travelling with his dog Poppy, said the dog intervened when Williams tried to stab him a third time, causing the attacker to flee.
Additional Victims
The court heard that 73-year-old David Presland was stabbed in the back while on his hands and knees, helped by Kevin Deely. Paxton said the events lasted about five minutes, during which 10 men were stabbed.
Charges and Trial Progress
Williams is accused of attempting to murder Aslam, Balakrishnan, Deely, Green, Presland, Zitouni, Scott Bletcher, Stephen Crean, Jonathan Gjoshe, and Michael Paffett on the train. He also faces charges for attacks in Peterborough on 31 October 2025. The trial continues.
