LONDON — British Transport Police said they are leading the investigation into Anthony Williams, 32, and are linking five knife incidents across two days that culminated in a multiple stabbing on a London North Eastern Railway Doncaster–London King’s Cross train near Huntingdon.
Police outlined a timeline beginning Friday at 7:10 p.m., when a 14-year-old boy was stabbed on Henry Penn Walk in Peterborough and treated for minor injuries. Around the same time, a man with a knife entered a barbershop in Fletton; the incident was reported two hours later, after he had left.
At 12:46 a.m. Saturday, a 17-year-old suffered facial injuries during an attack on a Docklands Light Railway train at Pontoon Dock Docklands Light Railway train at Pontoon Dock. The suspect fled before officers arrived, and British Transport Police subsequently identified Williams and began efforts to locate and arrest him.
At 9:25 a.m., Cambridgeshire officers responded to a second report from the Fletton barbers while the man was present. They arrived within 18 minutes but were unable to find him.
The day’s most serious incident was reported at 7:42 p.m. on the 6:25 p.m. LNER train from Doncaster to King’s Cross between Peterborough and Huntingdon. British Transport Police said all five incidents are being linked and active inquiries are underway.
Of those injured on the train, 10 were taken to a local hospital and one self-presented. As of Tuesday, seven have been discharged, one LNER staff member remains stable but critically unwell, and three patients remain stable in hospital.
The British Transport Police said it has reviewed the circumstances leading up to the train attack. In a release, it said it found no matters to refer to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary remains engaged on incidents in its jurisdiction as part of the wider investigation.
“The criminal investigation is a priority for British Transport Police, and we are working closely with Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the Crown Prosecution Service,” Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said in a release. “We have also this week initiated measures to increase the visibility of police officers across the railway network to reassure both rail staff and the travelling public.
“People will have seen officers actively patrolling concourses and trains, engaging with train crew and passengers, and covering as many services as possible to maintain safety and confidence,” Cundy added. “Most importantly, the public are our eyes and ears too. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and text us on 61016.”
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