Algerian Immigrant Hailed as Hero for Stopping Train Attacker with Frying Pan

On November 1st, 2025, Samir Zitouni, a 48-year-old LNER employee, was critically injured while intervening to stop a knife attack on a train in Huntington, South East London. Samir, an Algerian immigrant, used a frying pan from the train's buffet car to confront the attacker, an action that police have described as "nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people's lives."

Samir spent two weeks in the hospital, undergoing three operations on his abdomen, back, and hand. He was visited by the Algerian Consul General and Counselor of the Embassy in London, who praised his bravery. A GoFundMe campaign set up by Samir's colleague, Gemma Royce, has raised over £75,000 to support Samir and his family during his recovery.

Calls are now being made for Samir to be awarded the prestigious George Cross for his heroic actions. The attacker, 32-year-old Anthony Williams, has been charged with 11 attempted murders, assault, and possession of a blade. He is scheduled to appear in court on December 1st.