How Police Tracked and Arrested Train Stabbing Suspect Anthony Williams

Catch a Thief UK News

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – Monday 3 November 2025

Police have released further details following the dramatic arrest of 32-year-old Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, who was detained at Huntingdon railway station after a mass stabbing aboard the 6:25 pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday evening.

How Police Tracked and Arrested Train Stabbing Suspect Anthony Williams

Catch a Thief UK News has obtained exclusive footage showing the suspect’s arrest, moments after armed officers stormed the platform and restrained the man, bringing an end to what witnesses described as a “scene of chaos and terror” inside the packed high-speed train.

Timeline of Events

6:25 pm – Train departs Doncaster

The London-bound LNER service leaves Doncaster with around 160 passengers on board.

6:56 pm – First reports of a knife attack

Witnesses report a male passenger suddenly attacking others with a large blade near the buffet carriage.

Passengers attempt to flee to adjoining carriages as staff trigger the emergency protocol.

7:04 pm – Train halted at Huntingdon Station

British Transport Police (BTP) order the driver to bring the train to a controlled stop at Huntingdon, where armed officers are already responding.

7:10 pm – Armed response units board the train

Footage shows heavily armed officers entering Carriage B and shouting commands before tackling the suspect to the floor.

He is handcuffed and escorted off the train under armed guard as passengers are evacuated.

7:15 pm – Arrest confirmed

The suspect, later identified as Anthony Williams, is arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

A large kitchen-type knife is recovered at the scene. Eleven people are confirmed injured, one critically.

9:00 pm – Train sealed as crime scene

Forensic teams begin gathering evidence while detectives interview witnesses on the platform and at nearby facilities.

Sunday 2 November – Investigation expands

Police link the suspect to three earlier knife-related incidents in Peterborough and one near Pontoon Dock station in London.

Monday 3 November – Court appearance

Williams appears before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court, charged with 11 counts of attempted murder and two counts of possessing a bladed article.

He is remanded in custody pending a Crown Court hearing on 1 December.

Official Statements

BTP Chief Superintendent Alan West: “This was an extraordinarily fast response by our teams. Within eight minutes of the first 999 call, the suspect was in custody. We are now ensuring every victim and witness receives full support.”

Transport Minister Heidi Alexander praised the “bravery and professionalism” of rail staff and passengers who intervened.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “a chilling reminder of the importance of public vigilance and coordinated policing”.

Security Measures

In response, the British Transport Police and Network Rail have increased visible patrols and security checks across the national rail network.

The campaign “See It, Say It, Sorted” has also been relaunched to encourage passengers to report suspicious or threatening behaviour immediately.

Enhanced safety measures now include:

Random bag searches at major terminals

Additional plain-clothes officers on intercity services

On-board CCTV monitoring and emergency alert testing

Revised crew-training protocols for incident response

Footage Release

The footage obtained by Catch a Thief UK News shows the decisive moment of arrest at Huntingdon station.

Police have confirmed the video will form part of the ongoing investigation but permitted publication of selected clips for public awareness, showing the professionalism of the officers and the calm evacuation of passengers.

What Happens Next

Anthony Williams remains in custody pending psychiatric evaluation and further questioning.

Detectives are appealing for any additional video evidence from passengers on board the train or at Huntingdon station.

Anyone with footage or eyewitness accounts is urged to contact the BTP Incident Room via 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting “Huntingdon Train Incident”.

Full video via our social media accounts: