A 32-year-old man, Anthony Williams, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder after a series of violent stabbings, including a mass attack aboard an LNER train traveling from Doncaster to London on November 1, 2025. The charges also include a knife assault at a London station hours before the train incident, prompting investigations into multiple related attacks across the region.
What Happened
On the night of November 1, 2025, Anthony Williams allegedly attacked several individuals aboard an LNER high-speed train traveling from Doncaster to London. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, saw Williams using a large kitchen knife to target passengers, resulting in 13 victims, with eight hospitalized.
The train stopped in Huntingdon after emergency alarms were pulled by passengers. The swift response by train staff and fellow passengers helped to prevent further injuries, with one train staff member being hailed as a hero for confronting the attacker, despite sustaining serious injuries. The LNER driver, who diverted the train to Huntingdon, also praised the bravery of his colleagues in stopping the attack.
Simultaneously, Williams was involved in another knife-related attack at the Pontoon Dock DLR station in London earlier that morning, where a victim suffered facial injuries. Police investigations are exploring potential links between these violent acts.
Who Is Anthony Williams / Background of the Case
Anthony Williams, aged 32, appeared before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 3, facing charges related to the mass stabbings. He is also charged with an additional attack at a London station where a police officer suffered a broken nose while in custody. Authorities have confirmed that Williams was not known to counter-terrorism or security services before the attacks, leading to further questions about his background and any potential links to extremist groups.
Williams reportedly has no fixed address, and his court appearance was flanked by security officers due to the seriousness of the allegations. Prosecutors argued against bail, citing the grave nature of the charges and the risk Williams poses to the public.
Career, Legacy, and Investigation Details
The investigation into Williams’ violent spree is being led by the British Transport Police, who are looking into several knife-related incidents that occurred prior to the train attack, including the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough and another assault at a local barbershop. The connection between these incidents and the train attack is being scrutinized, as authorities attempt to piece together the sequence of events and motives behind the violence.
While Williams faces charges for attempting to murder 11 people, including passengers on the train, police are also investigating his assault on a police officer during his arrest. Prosecutors have labeled the case as “serious,” and have stated that Williams is a “risk to trains and the public.”
Public and Social Media Reactions
The news of the mass stabbings on the LNER train shocked the public, particularly in the local communities affected. British Transport Police and the local authorities have received an outpouring of support for their swift response to the incident, with the train staff and passengers being praised for their bravery in confronting the attacker.
On social media, tributes have flooded in for the victims, many of whom are still recovering from their injuries. People have expressed their condolences and hope for a speedy recovery for those affected. The public has also called for increased awareness and action to prevent future attacks of this nature, with many questioning whether enough is being done to combat knife crime in public spaces.
Official Statements and What Happens Next
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood addressed the incident in Parliament, acknowledging the public’s concerns about the attack and pledging to investigate how such violent acts can be prevented in the future. She praised the bravery of the LNER staff member who confronted the attacker, stating, “Today, he is a hero, and forever will be.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to review surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence. The police have also urged anyone with further information about the attacks to come forward to assist in the investigation.
Williams remains in custody, and a detention hearing is scheduled for December 1 at Cambridge Crown Court. The investigation into the motive behind the attacks is expected to take several weeks, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Closing Line:
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
