London, UK – A railway worker of Algerian descent is being lauded as a hero in Britain after his courageous actions during a mass stabbing incident on a train traveling from Doncaster to London. Samir Zitouni, 48, intervened to protect passengers during the attack on Saturday evening.
British Transport Police have confirmed that Mr. Zitouni sustained serious head and neck injuries while confronting the assailant. He is currently in hospital in critical but stable condition. His actions have been widely described as ‘nothing short of heroic.’
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, the train operating company, stated that Mr. Zitouni has been with the company for over 20 years. ‘In a moment of crisis, Sam didn’t hesitate to protect those around him. His bravery was exceptional, and we are incredibly proud of him and all our colleagues who demonstrated extraordinary courage that night,’ Mr. Horne said. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Samir and his family, and we will continue to support them and wish him a full and swift recovery.’
Mr. Zitouni’s family released a statement expressing their immense pride. ‘The police called him a hero on Saturday night, but for us, he has always been a hero,’ the statement read. The family also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support and well-wishes they have received, and praised the care he is receiving in the hospital and the support from his colleagues.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that Mr. Zitouni prevented the attacker from stabbing a young girl, sustaining his injuries in the process. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander commented, ‘The bravery shown by Samir was truly remarkable. There are people alive today who wouldn’t be if not for his actions.’
The incident occurred on a train traveling from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, to London King’s Cross station. Police have reported that the suspect, identified as Anthony [omitted last name], is in custody and the investigation is ongoing.
