On November 1, 2025, Britain was shaken by a breathtakingly violent attack on a London-bound train near Huntingdon, resulting in 11 people injured, two critically, and sparking an extensive police investigation that included alleged links to a stabbing of a 14-year-old boy the night before. The main suspect, Anthony Williams, aged 32, has since been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article, leaving the nation and authorities demanding answers.
Who Is Anthony Williams?
Anthony Williams, a 32-year-old resident of Peterborough, emerged as the central figure in a series of violent acts that have stunned the UK. British Transport Police identified Williams as the sole suspect after reviewing a vast volume of CCTV footage and evidence. Williams faces 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and possession of bladed articles—charges relating not only to the train stabbings but also to another incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station in London on the same day, where a victim sustained facial injuries.
Williams’ background and motives remain under scrutiny, with authorities confirming he was not known to counter-terrorism services and ruling out terrorism as a motive. The investigation instead focuses on his personal history and links to other violent incidents, including the stabbing of a teenager on Friday night.
Timeline of Events
Friday Night: Attack on a 14-Year-Old
The violent episode appears to have begun on Friday evening when Anthony Williams allegedly attacked a 14-year-old boy, who received minor wounds. Reportedly, surveillance footage from a nearby barbershop captured Williams wielding a sizeable knife shortly after this assault.
Early Saturday: DLR Station Assault
Before dawn on Saturday, Anthony Williams is suspected of having stabbed another victim at Pontoon Dock DLR station, leaving them with facial injuries. This attack prefaced his subsequent rampage on the train.
Saturday Night: Huntingdon Train Rampage
The most shocking incident occurred on Saturday evening, when passengers on the Doncaster to London LNER train suddenly found themselves under attack. Williams, armed with a knife, moved from carriage to carriage, stabbing indiscriminately. Passengers fled through carriages, some barricading themselves in toilets, as the chaos unfolded.
Among those injured was an LNER worker, whose courageous intervention saved lives but left him in critical condition. Another victim, football fan Stephen Crean, was stabbed after trying to confront Williams, exemplifying the selflessness of passengers that evening.
The Arrest
Anthony Williams was wrestled to the ground on the train platform at Huntingdon by multiple officers and a police dog. Video footage revealed officers deploying a Taser and shouting for Williams to give up his hands as he allegedly resisted arrest. During the confrontation, Williams reportedly shouted “Kill me, kill me,” before being subdued and disarmed.
A 35-year-old man was also detained at the scene but was released after authorities determined he was not involved.
Ongoing Investigation and Police Response
The British Transport Police have made it clear that the investigation into these events is ongoing, with other possible linked offences under review. Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy pointed out the priority status of victim support and the exhaustive search for additional evidence and connections. The police have urged the public and media to avoid speculation that could compromise the integrity of the proceedings.
Counter-terrorism units were initially on alert but have since stepped back, with authorities stating that there is no evidence to support a terrorism-linked motive. Nevertheless, rumours and conspiracy theories have circulated online regarding the nature and intent of the attacks, but officials remain focused on the facts as the legal process unfolds.
Impact and Public Reaction
The aftermath was harrowing; up to nine injured individuals are reported in critical condition, and the attack sent shockwaves through communities, public officials, and the rail industry. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and other leaders lauded the heroism displayed by rail staff and ordinary passengers, whom they credited with preventing further loss of life. The trauma and injuries inflicted, especially upon those who intervened, have been widely acknowledged as devastating.
Security on British railways is now under review, with officials considering increased deployment of facial recognition CCTV cameras and other protective measures. The public outcry has focused on the necessity of enhanced rail safety protocols and the importance of supporting those affected emotionally and physically.
Legal Proceedings
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that there was sufficient evidence to bring multiple charges against Williams and emphasised the importance of upholding the public interest and maintaining legal transparency. Williams is set to appear at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, with prosecutors working closely with police to consolidate the vast cache of CCTV and eyewitness evidence.
The Link Between The Attacks
Police have not ruled out connections between the train massacre, the teenage stabbing on Friday, and earlier incidents at the DLR station. The investigation into Anthony Williams spans multiple locations and episodes, with all evidence and possible links meticulously reviewed. The national attention now pivots to whether Williams acted alone or his actions are part of a broader pattern.
