King meets Huntingdon train attack heroes, including guard who protected passengers

The King has met survivors of last month's Huntingdon train mass stabbing, during a special reception at Buckingham Palace.

He shook hands with train guard Samir Zitouni, who was seriously injured as he stepped in to protect passengers. More than 10 people were hurt in the stabbing on the 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross on 1 November, which diverted to Huntingdon.

The monarch also met Andrew Johnson, who previously served in the Royal Navy, and was driving the service at the time of the attack. He was praised by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his quick thinking when he moved the train on to a slow line.

That decision allowed it to stop at Huntingdon station, leading to a quicker response time by emergency services and potentially saving lives. Mr Zitouni was credited with saving multiple lives, but was left in a critical condition due to injuries he suffered in the attack.

Stephen Crean, a football fan who had been returning home after watching Nottingham Forest's 2-2 draw with Manchester United, was also injured while fighting back to protect others during the incident. Mr Crean said he would need plastic surgery following his injuries.

Amira Ostalski, a student who suddenly found herself in danger, said she ran into the buffet car where she picked up a metal tray to protect herself and her friend. "I was honestly so petrified.

I thought in that moment it was the last time I was ever going to be alive. I thought I was going to die," she said.

Anthony Williams was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm and one count of possession of a bladed article following the train attack. He remains in custody pending further court hearings scheduled for next year..