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Stephen Crean, a 61-year-old Nottingham Forest supporter, sustained serious injuries to his left hand after intervening during a mass stabbing on a train traveling from Doncaster to London on 1 November. Though he is unable to work currently, Crean remains optimistic about his recovery despite being told by medical professionals that he may only regain up to 75% use of his hand. The attack unfolded as he was returning home following his team’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
The assault on the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service led to eleven individuals being hospitalized. In response to emergency calls from passengers, armed police boarded the train at Huntingdon. The suspect, 32-year-old Anthony Williams, faces multiple charges including eleven counts of attempted murder—one of which involves Stephen Crean—as well as possession of a bladed weapon and actual bodily harm. One of these attempted murder charges pertains to a separate event.
Mr. Crean recounted the harrowing moment when he grasped the knife, feeling it “twist and turn” in his hand during the confrontation. Describing the pain, he said, “Even though the cuts might be deep at the back, it’s the hand. I can feel it especially at nighttime, it’s a nightmare.” After undergoing one operation on his arm and fingers, he expressed concern about his future, as his left hand is crucial for his job in printing. Despite the challenges, he remains resolute and states, “I will get better. I know [my hand] won’t be 100%, but it will get better.”
Support and praise have poured in from those involved and the wider community. A 19-year-old student named Astrid, who was also on the train, hailed Crean as a “hero” for his swift actions during the crisis. The train driver, Andrew Johnson, a former Royal Navy officer, along with train crew member Samir Zitouni—who suffered serious injuries himself—were also commended for their prompt decisions, including diverting the train to safety. Back home in Wimbledon, London, Stephen has found encouragement in meeting Nottingham Forest’s head coach Sean Dyche. He described the experience as “brilliant.”
Physically and emotionally, Crean is taking recovery one day at a time. “The most emotional moment was seeing my family,” he shared. “I was in absolute bits because I don’t want anyone, especially my family, to see me like this.” In recognition of his courageous intervention, an online fundraiser has surpassed £62,000 to aid him during his time off work. Nottingham Forest contributed £10,000 and warmly welcomed him back to the City Ground, where he received a standing ovation from fans during the club’s 3-1 victory over Leeds United. The applause and support touched him deeply: “It meant the world to me. I could see people clapping, applauding and I just thank them so much.”
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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