A suspect, identified as Anthony Williams, 32, is facing charges in connection to a violent incident on a train in Huntington that resulted in eleven individuals sustaining injuries. The British Transport Police stated that Williams, residing on Langford Road in Peterborough, has been accused of ten counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possessing a bladed weapon following the assault that occurred on Saturday. Additionally, Williams is facing charges related to another incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London on November 1. He is scheduled to appear at Peterborough Magistrates Court today.
The attack took place while passengers were on the 6:25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. The train was diverted to Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire for an emergency stop about an hour into the journey. Within eight minutes of the authorities being alerted, two individuals were arrested on the train, with one of them being subdued by police using a Taser due to wielding a knife.
Following the incident, eleven victims were treated at a hospital, with four individuals being discharged afterward. However, two patients, including a heroic train staff member, remained in critical condition as confirmed by the police on Sunday. Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy emphasized the importance of the ongoing criminal investigation and victim support as top priorities for the British Transport Police.
Tracy Easton, the chief crown prosecutor for CPS Direct, announced the decision to prosecute Williams with 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of assault causing bodily harm, and two counts of possessing a bladed article in connection to the train incident. This decision was made following collaborative efforts with the police to assess substantial evidence, including CCTV footage. The prosecutor highlighted that the charges may be subject to review as the case progresses and expressed solidarity with all those affected by the distressing events on the train.
The authorities urged the public to refrain from making any statements or publications that could jeopardize the ongoing legal proceedings or the investigative process.