Doncaster-London train stabbings hero left fighting for life is released from hospital

Samir Zitouni was a member of the catering crew on Azuma on the evening of 1 November when an attacker struck as it passed through Cambridgeshire.

The 48-year-old was one of 11 people treated for their injuries. He was left fighting for life.

"While we are really happy to have him home, he still has a significant recovery ahead," said his family, in a statement released by the British Transport Police (BTP).

"We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the public, and very touched by all the kind words about Sam's brave actions on the night of the attack."

The BTP has already described his actions as "nothing short of heroic".

Last week, the force said he remained "critically unwell" but stable at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

Mr Zitouni has been credited with blocking the attack suspect from stabbing a girl, leaving him with a gash on his head and neck.

An online crowdfunding page set up by one of his colleagues has raised more than £67,000 to help support the family.

LNER managing director David Horne has already said his actions "were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him".

In their statement, the family asked to be "left in privacy to care for him as a family".

Passengers on board the train said a person brandishing a knife began stabbing people shortly after leaving Peterborough on the East Coast Main Line en route to London King’s Cross.

The driver brought the train to an emergency halt at Huntingdon.

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed address, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder relating to the train stabbings and a count of attempted murder in connection with an alleged attack in London.

He is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December.