A brave rail worker who suffered serious injuries during the Huntingdon knife attack has been pictured for the first time.
Samir Zitouni, 48, was one of 11 people injured during the mass stabbing on board a train on Saturday night.
Mr Zitouni, who has worked for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for more than 20 years, remains in hospital following the attack.
Paying tribute to his ‘incredible bravery’, David Horne, managing director at LNER, said: ‘In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him.
‘His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening.
‘Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery.’
Rail worker Samir Zitouni was one of 11 people injured during the mass stabbing on board a train on Saturday
His family said in a statement released through LNER: ‘We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of love and kindness shown to Sam, and by the many well wishes for his recovery.
‘The care provided by the hospital and the support from his colleagues at LNER has been incredible.
‘We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday evening, but to us – he’s always been a hero.’
Yesterday, Sir Keir Starmer thanked the ‘heroic actions’ of train staff, including Mr Zitouni, who put themselves in harm’s way to save ‘countless lives’.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said Mr Zitouni ‘went to work on Saturday morning and left a hero.’
‘I know the British Transport Police have reviewed CCTV footage from what happened and he literally put himself in harm’s way. There will be people who are alive today because of his actions.’
She added: ‘He went to work on Saturday morning to do his job and he left work a hero.’
Passengers ran through the carriages, barricading themselves in toilets and behind shutters in the buffet car. There were 13 casualties, with five still in hospital.
On Monday, Anthony Williams, 32, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court charged with 11 attempted murder charges in connection with the train attack and an earlier DLR station attack.
He also faces charges of possessing a bladed article and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He was remanded in custody until a hearing at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.
