A 32-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder following a shocking knife attack aboard a London-bound train on Saturday that left 11 people injured, British police confirmed on Monday.
The suspect, identified as Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, eastern England, faces 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and two counts of possession of a bladed article, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Authorities said ten of the attempted murder charges relate to the mass stabbing aboard the train, while the eleventh stems from a separate incident at an east London station earlier the same day.
The violent attack occurred aboard a train traveling toward London, which made an emergency stop at Huntingdon, about 80 miles north of the capital. Witnesses described scenes of panic and chaos as passengers rushed to escape the carriage while others tried to restrain the attacker.
Among the injured was a member of the train crew, who sustained serious wounds while attempting to stop Williams from stabbing others. The crew member remains in critical but stable condition in hospital, police said. Five other victims were treated and discharged by late Sunday, while the remaining victims continue to recover under medical supervision.
The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that Williams was arrested shortly after the incident. The charges were filed following a review of CCTV footage and forensic evidence gathered from the scene.
Officials have ruled out terrorism as a motive. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander said Monday that the suspect was “not known to security services,” though she declined to comment on whether he had any prior interactions with mental health services.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting widespread concern about public safety on transport networks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “deeply distressing,” expressing gratitude to the emergency services and passengers who acted with remarkable bravery to protect others.
King Charles III also conveyed his sympathies to those affected, praising the “courage and professionalism of the first responders” who provided aid amid the unfolding chaos.
Williams is set to appear before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court later on Monday. Police said the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives continuing to interview witnesses and analyze forensic evidence.
In response to the incident, authorities have increased police patrols across rail services nationwide as a precautionary measure and urged the public to remain vigilant but not alarmed.