A man suspected of carrying out the mass stabbing on a train near Huntingdon is now facing a series of new and serious charges relating to alleged incidents the day before the attack.
New Charges Unveiled
Anthony Williams, a 32-year-old from Langford Road in Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday. British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed he has been charged with seven further offences alleged to have occurred on October 31.
The new charges include the attempted murder of a 14-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man, both in Peterborough. Williams also faces charges of attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH) against another 22-year-old man, affray, and possession of a bladed article at Ritzy Barbers in Peterborough.
Additionally, he is accused of stealing knives from an Asda supermarket in Stevenage and the common assault of a 31-year-old man on a train between Hitchin and Biggleswade.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Williams was previously charged with 10 counts of attempted murder concerning the Huntingdon train attack on November 1, which resulted in 11 people being hospitalised.
Regarding the new charges, the 14-year-old boy was treated and discharged from hospital, while the two men involved were not injured. Authorities have stated that no further action will be taken concerning a second reported incident at the Ritzy Barbers on November 1.
BTP Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy described the new charges as "significant." He emphasised that the investigation has extended to other offences previously reported or identified. He also issued a strong reminder to the public to avoid publishing anything that could prejudice the ongoing criminal proceedings.
Court Appearances and Prosecution Statement
Williams is scheduled to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1, where prosecutors will seek to join all charges together.
Siobhan Blake, chief crown prosecutor for the West Midlands, stated that the additional charges follow a thorough BTP investigation. She confirmed that prosecutors have established sufficient evidence and that proceeding is in the public interest.
In a related development, Cambridgeshire Police has commissioned an internal review of the events leading up to the mass stabbing on the Doncaster-to-London LNER service.
