Algerian-British LNER Worker Hailed for Heroism in Mass Stabbing Incident

Samir Zitouni, a 48-year-old customer experience host for London North Eastern Railway (LNER), is being lauded as a national hero after he sustained critical injuries while protecting passengers during a mass stabbing on a train on November 1, 2025. Zitouni, of Algerian descent, reportedly intervened to shield passengers from an attacker on the Doncaster-to-London service, an act that police and LNER officials have described as undoubtedly saving lives. He remains in critical but stable condition in hospital, receiving widespread well-wishes for his recovery.

The incident unfolded on an LNER train traveling between Peterborough and Huntingdon, where a man wielding a knife began attacking individuals. Witnesses and CCTV footage confirmed Zitouni's "nothing short of heroic" actions as he stepped in to confront the assailant, sustaining severe wounds to his head and neck in the process. His employer, LNER, praised his "incredibly brave" conduct, with Managing Director David Horne stating, "In a moment of crisis, Sam did not hesitate as he stepped forward to protect those around him."

Zitouni, who has worked for LNER for over two decades, has been widely recognized for his selflessness, with his family expressing immense pride in his courage. His background as a British man of Algerian descent has also drawn commentary, with some highlighting his heroism as a counter-narrative to divisive rhetoric. Social media user GeroDoc, commenting on the broader public discourse, challenged perceived negative reactions, stating, "> Leftists have a bizarre theory of mind about the populist right. I just read that blowhard Owen Jones saying that the populist right are 'furious' one of the people on the LNER train who helped stop the attacker was an Algerian. Like, find me one person 'furious' about that?"

British Transport Police Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy confirmed that Zitouni's actions were "nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives." Anthony Williams, 32, has since been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the train attack, and an additional count related to a separate incident. The overwhelming public and official response has focused on celebrating Zitouni's bravery and wishing him a swift recovery.