A 32-year-old man has been charged with ten counts of attempted murder following the Huntingdon train attack.
Anthony Williams, 32, of Peterborough, is also charged with one count of actual bodily harm and one count of possessing a bladed article following the attack on Saturday night.
Williams has also been charged with another count of attempted murder and a further count of possessing a bladed article in connection with an incident in London.
The second incident is said to have unfolded at Pontoon Dock station on the capital’s Docklands Light Railway (DLR) hours beforehand on the same day.
It is understood a victim is alleged to have suffered a facial injury in that incident.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: ‘The criminal investigation and support for the victims is a priority for British Transport Police. Our investigation is also looking at other possible linked offences.
‘Following the charges authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service I would stress the importance of not saying or publishing anything which might jeopardise or prejudice ongoing criminal proceedings, or the integrity of the investigation.’
Saturday’s attack unfolded on the 6.25 LNER service from Doncaster to London‘s Kings Cross – and saw brave train staff and passengers intervene in a bid to stop the alleged attacker as he went through the train with a knife.
The alleged Huntingdon knife attacker seen in CCTV footage exclusively obtained by the Daily Mail. Police say a 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with the attack
Our exclusive footage shows a knifeman carrying a blade while walking through a car park next to Huntingdon rail station in Cambridgeshire following Saturday night’s train stabbings
The suspect is understood to have boarded the train at Peterborough before allegedly rampaging through the train with a knife.
Passengers ran through the train, barricading themselves in toilets and behind the shutters of the onboard shop in the buffet car in a bid to protect themselves.
Nine of the 11 injured people were left fighting for their lives – with five people discharged from hospital as of last night.
An LNER worker in the cafe suffered the most egregious injuries trying to defend fellow passengers from the attacker.
He is in a ‘critical but stable’ condition today, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said.
She said: ‘There are people who are alive today because of his actions and his bravery.’
She told Sky News: ‘He went into work that morning to work on that train service, to serve passengers and he put himself in harm’s way.
‘He went in to do his job and he left work a hero.’
Police had initially used the codeword Plato – for a ‘marauding terror attack’ – as reports of the incident came in. Terrorism has since been ruled out as a motive.
Tracy Easton, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said the number of charges would be ‘kept under review’ as further enquiries are carried out.
She said: ‘We worked closely with British Transport Police to review a huge volume of evidence including CCTV. The number of charges will be kept under review as this continues to progress.
‘We know the devastating impact the events on Saturday’s train has had and how the incident shocked the entire country. Our thoughts remain with all those affected.’
The train was removed from Huntingdon station this morning. The station will remain closed until the end of today
Police forensic officers examine the LNER Azuma train on Sunday following Saturday night’s horror attack
After the driver arranged to make an emergency stop at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, passengers fled down the platform – closely followed by the suspect, still brandishing a knife.
The suspect then crossed the railway tracks and leapt over a fence before being subdued by police.
A 35–year–old man who was arrested at the scene has since been released with no further action after police established he was not involved in the attack.
Footage obtained by the Mail appeared to show him scream ‘it’s not me’ as he was tasered by police officers who mistook him for the attacker.
The innocent man walks down the train platform at Huntingdon – where the train driver was forced to make a diversion – only to be struck down by police with a Taser.
LNER boss David Horne said the firm was ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ by Saturday’s events.
Huntingdon station will remain closed until the end of today. The LNER Azuma train on which the attack took place was moved out this morning, and trains are able to pass through to and from London.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
