A train crew member who was seriously injured while trying to protect passengers during a mass stabbing has regained consciousness.
Samir Zitouni, 48, known as Sam, was working on board the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to London when the attack began in Cambridgeshire on Saturday 1 November.
LNER said Mr Zitouni, who has worked for the firm for more than 20 years, was credited with helping to save multiple lives.
A GoFundMe page for Mr Zitouni has raised nearly £40,000 towards its £50,000 target, one week after the attack.
A message posted on the GoFundMe page said: “Sam’s family continue to be deeply grateful for all of your kind messages, generosity, and support.
“His wife has shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday, and she was able to speak with him for a short time.
“This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery.
“Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness means the world to them.”
Mr Zitouni worked as a customer experience host, which largely involves providing onboard catering.
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Train driver requested unscheduled stop during attack
The attack is understood to have begun shortly after the train left Peterborough station.
As it unfolded, passengers pulled the emergency alarms on the LNER service.
Train driver Andrew Johnson, who served in the Royal Navy for 17 years, contacted a signaller and requested an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station.
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Ten patients were taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and one patient self-presented, British Transport Police said.
On Tuesday, the force said an LNER worker remains in hospital in a stable condition but critically unwell.
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Police investigation
A man, Anthony Williams, 32, was remanded into custody at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday charged with 10 counts of attempted murder over the train incident.
Cambridgeshire Police previously said the stabbing of a 14-year-old boy in Peterborough city centre the day before the train attack and two reports of a knifeman seen at a barber’s were also being investigated.
