CCTV Shows Crew Member Using Frying Pan Against Knifeman on Train

BBC UK reported that CCTV footage was shown in court depicting a crew member, Samir Zitouni, using a frying pan to defend himself against a knifeman aboard a train. Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC stated that Zitouni demonstrated significant courage and bravery while attempting to protect others and save lives during the mass stabbing on the train traveling from Doncaster to London King's Cross.

Jurors at the Cambridge Crown Court observed footage of Zitouni using the pan against Anthony Williams before the train made an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on November 1, 2025. Williams, 33, of Langford Road, Peterborough, denies the allegations of attempting to murder 10 people on the train, three individuals in Peterborough the day prior, and a young boy at a London railway station. The trial has established that whether Williams committed the attacks is not in question, but the jury must determine if he intended to kill those individuals.

On the second day of the trial, Paxton informed the jurors that the assault on Zitouni was described as "prolonged, persistent and brutal." Zitouni reportedly told the defendant, "We love you, we can help you."

Other CCTV evidence presented in court showed people fleeing the train. Paxton noted that Zitouni, whose shirt was described as "blood-soaked," appeared to be one of the last people off the train, falling "between, essentially, the gap between the train and the platform." The court heard that both of Zitouni's lungs were punctured, requiring four blood transfusions, chest drains, and the use of a ventilator.

Paxton previously mentioned that one passenger, Raza Aslam, had grabbed a frying pan but was subsequently stabbed in the hand by Williams. He stated that Zitouni began throwing objects at the defendant, which reportedly "saved" Aslam's life. Aslam told the police that Williams displayed "the greatest delight on his face," adding, "I saw his eyes expand with pleasure. I saw the contempt on his face, like a person who's high. He was just loving every single moment. He loved seeing us in desperation."

Paxton also detailed instances of hand-to-hand combat on the train. He mentioned that Sachin Balakrishnan was stabbed in the forearm and chest, resulting in a punctured lung that was reportedly "just centimetres from his heart." The jury heard a call made by Stephen Crean to 999 from a locked toilet on the train, where he informed the operator that he had been stabbed "all over" and was left "covered in blood."

Commenting on the CCTV footage, Paxton observed the panic and fear evident in the faces of those fleeing, noting that despite the violence and fear, many on the train assisted others, and some resisted the defendant's violent assault.

Jurors also heard that Scott Green was traveling on the train with his dog, Poppy. Paxton stated that Green felt he was in danger of losing his life when the defendant attempted to stab him for the third time, suggesting that Poppy the dog saved the day for Mr. Green by causing the defendant to run off. Paxton also noted that in an unrelated incident, the defendant had previously been bitten by a dog.

Regarding the events of the day, the court heard about an attack on 73-year-old David Presland, who was stabbed in the back while on his hands and knees. Presland stated that he received assistance from someone he knew as Kevin, who is believed to be Kevin Deely, another individual Williams is accused of attempting to murder. Paxton informed the court that these events occurred "all over in about five minutes," asserting that in that time, ten men were stabbed by the defendant, Mr. Williams.

Williams is accused of attempting to murder Aslam, Balakrishnan, Crean, Deely, Green, Presland, and Zitouni on the train traveling between Peterborough and Huntingdon on the Saturday evening, as well as Scott Bletcher, Jonathan Gjoshe, and Michael Paffett. Furthermore, he is accused of attempting to murder a 14-year-old boy and Dawid Taborski on a footbridge near Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough on October 31, and William Ogelby at the Railworld car park in the city shortly thereafter. The trial is ongoing.