Railway worker Samir Zitouni saved the lives of several passengers from a stabbing attack

Railway worker saved passengers' lives from stabbing attack

Algerian becomes a hero in Britain after saving hundreds of passengers from a stabbing attack

British authorities have praised Algerian-born railway worker Samir Zitouni, 48, after he saved the lives of several passengers during a mass stabbing attack on a train traveling from Doncaster to London on Saturday evening.

British Transport Police said Zitouni, who suffered serious head and neck injuries while confronting the attacker, remains in critical but stable condition in the hospital. His actions were described as "heroic in every sense," according to the BBC. 

The company's chief executive, David Horne, said: "In the moment of crisis, Sam didn't hesitate for a second to protect those around him." His actions were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him and all our colleagues who showed exceptional courage that night. Our thoughts and prayers are with Samir and his family, and we will continue to support them and wish him a full and speedy recovery.

British Transport Police

In a statement, Zeitouni's family expressed their immense pride in him, saying, "The police described him as a hero on Saturday evening, but to us, he has always been a hero." 

The family added that they were deeply touched by the messages of support and comfort they had received and praised the care he was receiving in the hospital and the support from his colleagues. According to eyewitnesses, Zeitouni tackled the attacker and prevented him from stabbing a young girl, sustaining serious head and neck injuries in the process.

British Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told the BBC, "The bravery Samir showed was truly remarkable. There are people alive today who, were it not for his actions, would not be." The attack took place on a train traveling from Doncaster in South Yorkshire to King's Cross station in London at 11:00 a.m. 18:25 GMT

Police reported that Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, was charged on Monday with 10 counts of attempted murder. Ten people were taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridgeshire, with another arriving later for treatment. Six of the injured have since been discharged, while four remain in stable condition. Train passengers reported that a man began stabbing passengers at random after the train had passed.