Hero worker seriously injured in Huntingdon train attack wakes up

A "heroic" train worker who was seriously injured as he protected passengers during a mass stabbing has woken in hospital and spoken with his wife. Samir Zitouni, known as Sam, was working on board the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to London when the attack happened near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on November 1.

The 48-year-old is said to have fought off the attacker with a frying pan, with British Transport Police (BTP) saying "his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people's lives". Mr Zitouni woke up "briefly" on Thursday, according to a Go Fund Me Page set up for the LNER crew member. Organiser Gemma Royce said Mr Zitouni's wife shared that she was able to speak with him "for a short time".

In an update on Friday, she added: "This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery.

"Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

"Your kindness means the world to them."

The Go Fund Me Page has raised almost £55,000.

In a statement on the fundraising page, Mr Zitouni's family described him as "our hero".

Mr Zitouni has worked for LNER for more than 20 years and his role is customer experience host, which largely involves providing onboard catering.

Last week, David Horne, LNER managing director, said: "In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him."

The attack is understood to have started shortly after the train left Peterborough station.

Passengers pulled the emergency alarms on the LNER service, after which driver Andrew Johnson, who served in the Royal Navy for 17 years, contacted a signaller and requested an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station.

BTP last week said Mr Zitouni was in a stable condition but critically unwell at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

He was among 11 patients treated at the hospital for injuries sustained during the attack.

Anthony Williams, 32, was remanded into custody at Peterborough Magistrates' Court on November 3 charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over the incident.

He is next due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.