Two petitions have been launched online urging gongs for two of the men who stepped in during terrifying scenes aboard the LNER train from Doncaster to London when a crazed knifeman went on the attack
Petitions have been launched to thank the heroes who fought back against the Huntingdon train attacker without a thought for their own safety.
Two petitions have been launched online urging gongs for two of the men who stepped in during terrifying scenes aboard the LNER train from Doncaster to London when a crazed knifeman went on the attack.
Notts Forest fan Stephen Crean was a passenger and instead of running away like other terrified passengers, he went straight for the attacker and fought back.
He was stabbed six times after putting himself in the face of danger and now people are calling for him to be officially thanked and rewarded for his heroic actions.
The other petition call has been made to thank Samir Zitouni, the rail worker credited with saving multiple lives as he also “stepped forward to protect those around him”.
The petition calls Crean the 61-year-old from Wimbledon, “a remarkable individual” and “a true British hero”, who intervened during the attack “for the sake of complete strangers”.
It calls for Crean to be awarded by royalty and government while Samir’s wants him awarded the George Cross.
Crean’s petition reads: “We routinely honour the sacrifices our soldiers and servicemen and women make.
“This man, whose bravery and sacrifice were no less profound, deserves to be recognised no differently.
“By honouring him appropriately, we not only acknowledge his unparalleled contribution but also inspire future generations to aspire to such valor and selflessness.
“We owe it to our community, and to humanity at large, to celebrate these selfless acts; they are a reminder of the potential for greatness that resides in us all.”
The petition was started only two days ago and already has almost 500 signatures.
The call for Samir adds: “(Samir’s) actions on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service on Saturday evening were described as nothing short of heroic.
“Samir Zitouni, a dedicated rail worker from Coventry, United Kingdom, has shown extraordinary bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.
“The George Cross, one of the highest civilian honours in the United Kingdom, is awarded for acts of the greatest heroism or for the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. Samir Zitouni’s actions clearly match these criteria.”
Anthony Williams, 32, of Peterborough, was charged with ten counts of attempted murder, one count of ABH and one count of possession of bladed article in connection to the incident in Huntingdon.
He is also charged with another count of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in connection to an incident at Pontoon Dock DLR station earlier the same day.