Samir Zitouni, an Algerian national living in England, has been making headlines for the past few days due to a heroic act that has sparked widespread admiration.
The 48-year-old man, an employee of the British railways, saved lives by single-handedly confronting the perpetrator of a knife attack.
Also read:
Sign up for the Covid-19 vaccination: book your appointment online
Born in Algeria, Samir Zitouni has worked for London North Eastern Railway (LNER) for 20 years. On Saturday, he was on duty as a customer service agent on a train running between Doncaster and London’s King’s Cross station.
Around 6:25 PM, while the train was between Peterborough and Huntingdon, a maniac began attacking passengers with a knife, injuring several people.
Also read:
Algeria: Chilling revelations about the Oued El Harrach bus tragedy
Defying the danger, the Algerian man confronted the attacker alone to protect the passengers. Unfortunately, he was injured during his intervention and is hospitalized “in a stable but critical condition,” according to London police.
This heroic act is a source of pride for Algerian diasporas worldwide. It is also praised by local media, British authorities, and his employer.
Also read:
Algeria: Unprecedented publication of drug traffickers’ photos
An Algerian Hero Saves Lives in England
“In that critical moment, Samir did not hesitate to step forward to protect those around him. His actions showed exceptional courage, and we are incredibly proud of him, and of all our colleagues who demonstrated such bravery that evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with Samir and his family. We will continue to support them and wish him a speedy recovery,” stated LNER.
“We have been deeply moved by the outpouring of love and kindness shown towards Samir. We are immensely proud of him and his courage. The police called him a hero on Saturday night, but to us, he has always been one,” wrote his family on social media.
Transport Minister Heidi Alexander stated for her part: “Sam went to work on Saturday morning. He came home a hero. His incredible quick thinking and selflessness saved lives and he demonstrated extraordinary courage.”
The British Parliament has proposed him for recognition within the UK’s honors system for “exceptional and selfless acts of bravery.”
The attacker, Anthony Williams, 32, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He has been charged with attempted murder.