A courageous individual who intervened to protect passengers from a train attacker downplayed his actions, stating he simply did what he believed anyone else would do. Stephen Crean, who has been recognized as a hero for his actions during a violent stabbing incident on a train heading to Huntingdon station, described himself as an ordinary person. The Nottingham Forest supporter was returning from a match against Manchester United and was aboard the LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross when the harrowing event occurred.
Shortly into the journey, Stephen noticed several passengers rushing through his carriage, warning of a man wielding a knife. “Everyone moved to the rear of the train where the buffet area was, but I couldn’t get in, and the restrooms appeared to be occupied,” Stephen recounted. “It eventually came down to a confrontation between him and me. He brandished the blade at me and repeatedly asked if I wanted to die.”
During the altercation, Stephen bravely grabbed the assailant’s knife, resulting in severe injuries to his hands. He also sustained lacerations on his lower back and buttock. After escaping from the attacker, Stephen sought refuge in an unoccupied train restroom where he attempted to stop the bleeding. He remained in the cubicle until the train was diverted to Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire.
Stephen was assisted to an ambulance with blood dripping from his head before being swiftly taken to the nearest hospital. Medical staff treated his wounds and wrapped his head and hands in bandages.
Currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, the Forest supporter is recuperating, with expectations of having his bandages removed by the week’s end. Despite his injuries, Stephen remains humble and dismisses any hero labels. “There are others in worse situations than me – I did what I could, but I’m not extraordinary,” he remarked. “I was able to slow down the attacker, and I have no regrets. I’m hurt and in pain, but that’s okay, I can recover.”
While the owner of Forest, Evangelos Marinakis, offered to cover medical expenses for affected fans, Stephen declined the offer, believing others may require the assistance more urgently. Although he will miss the next game while recovering, Stephen aims to return quickly and remains undeterred by the incident.
“I’ll be back on my feet once my hand heals and my head clears up – it won’t stop me,” he affirmed. “I’ve been attending Forest games for over 50 years, and though it may take some time, I’ll be back. I’ll continue to support the team wherever they go.”
Following the attack, Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, has been charged with multiple offenses, including attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon. Eleven individuals were hospitalized, with two in critical condition, while four were discharged after treatment.