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'Heroic' staff commended after Huntingdon train stabbing as details of victims emerge

Sky News

United Kingdom

Monday, November 3


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UK Train Attack - Incident Details and Victims


The prime minister has commended the"heroic" driver and staff who were working on board a train when multiple people were stabbed on Saturday night.

Sir Keir Starmer said in the House of Commons on Monday the"brave action" of those who responded to the attack "saved countless lives".

His comments came as more details emerged about some of the people injured in the mass stabbing.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said on Monday that there were 13 casualties, eight of whom remain in hospital.

Sir Keir told the Commons:"I want to put on record in this House my own tribute to the police, the first responders, and in particular, to the heroic actions of both the driver and members of staff on board the Doncaster to London train, where such a vile and horrific attack took place this weekend."

"We all share in the revulsion of this shocking incident, but there's no doubt that their collective action, their brave action, saved countless lives, and I know the whole country is grateful for that," he continued.

A forensic investigator photographing inside the train. Pic: PA
Image: A forensic investigator photographing inside the train. Pic: PA

Railway worker's 'incredible bravery'

One of those seriously injured was a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) staff member, who tried to protect passengers during the attack.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told Sky News the man, who has not been named, is now in a critical but stable condition.

She told the Mornings with Ridge and Frost programme:"He went in to do his job, and he left work a hero. And there are people who are alive today because of his actions and his bravery."

The train's driver has been commended for his quick thinking after diverting the locomotive to Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, when passengers alerted him to the ongoing attack.

In a statement, Andrew Johnson, who is ex-Royal Navy and has been driving trains for almost 20 years, said:"As train drivers, we hold a lot of responsibility.

"We practise our emergency response and keep up to date with our knowledge of the route, so if needed, we know exactly where to stop and what to do.

"The action I took is the same as any other driver. I think my colleagues onboard were the real heroes and I'd like to pay tribute to their bravery."

Andrew Johnson. Pic: LNER
Image: Andrew Johnson. Pic: LNER

LNER's managing director David Horne said:"Andrew's actions are testament to the expertise and skills he has built over his career, both on the railway and in the military."

He added: "Our thoughts remain with our colleague in hospital."

Footballer among those taken to hospital

Scunthorpe United have confirmed their defender Jonathan Gjoshe was among those hurt. He is in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Another of the victims, Stephen Crean, has said he"didn't have much choice" but to fight back as the knifeman approached him.

The 61-year-old said passengers ran into the buffet car after a young woman ran through his carriage shouting:"Knife, knife, there's a man with a big knife."

During the incident, Mr Crean said he"got caught" by the knife on his fingers, head, torso and arm, and will need plastic surgery.

Armed officers were deployed to Huntingdon station after being alerted to the attack at 7.42pm on Saturday.

They detained a man within eight minutes of the first 999 call.

Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over the mass stabbing, and one count of attempted murder over another attack hours earlier at a London station.

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