Anthony Williams, 32, charged with ten attempted murders after a stabbing rampage on a Doncaster–London train that injured eleven passengers.
Britain awoke in shock as Anthony Williams, a 32-year-old resident of Peterborough, was charged with multiple counts of attempted murder after a horrifying knife rampage aboard a Doncaster–London train on Saturday evening. The violent spree left 11 passengers wounded, turning a routine journey into a night of blood and chaos.
According to British Transport Police, Williams faces 10 counts of attempted murder, one charge of actual bodily harm—for allegedly breaking a police officer’s nose during arrest—and one count of possessing a bladed article. Authorities also tied him to a separate stabbing at Pontoon Dock station earlier that day, further exposing a shocking pattern of violence.
The Cambridgeshire Constabulary is probing Williams’ possible link to three other knife-related incidents in Peterborough on Friday and Saturday, including the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy and knife sightings at a local barber shop. Each time, the assailant escaped before police arrived, leaving behind scenes of terror.
Officials clarified that the train attack was not terrorism-related, though the brutality and randomness of the assault stirred national alarm. A second man initially detained was released without charge.
Witnesses recounted terrifying scenes aboard the moving train as Williams allegedly lunged at passengers without warning, slashing indiscriminately. “There was screaming everywhere, blood on the seats, and people diving for safety,” one passenger said.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that among the victims was a train staff member who heroically tried to stop the attacker, suffering “grievous injuries” in the process. Footballer Jonathan Gjoshe of Scunthorpe United was also among the injured, though his wounds are not life-threatening.
Williams, who appeared before the Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, was remanded in custody until December 1. He offered no plea.
This shocking attack has reignited debate over Britain’s growing knife-crime epidemic, demanding urgent action from authorities. The British public, still reeling, is left asking how such unprovoked violence could unfold on one of the nation’s busiest transport routes.
