A rail worker hailed as a hero for protecting passengers during a mass stabbing on board a train has been discharged from hospital, his family has confirmed.

Samir Zitouni, 48, was working as part of the catering team on the LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on 1 November when an attacker began stabbing passengers as the train travelled through Cambridgeshire. He was among 11 people injured during the incident.

In a statement released through British Transport Police, his family said:

"While we are really happy to have him home, he still has a significant recovery ahead. 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 British Transport Police had previously described Mr Zitouni’s efforts as "nothing short of heroic", after witnesses credited him with intervening to shield a young girl from harm. He suffered a wound to his head and neck during the attack and was initially said to be “critically unwell” but stable while being treated at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

A fundraising page set up by a colleague has now collected more than £67,000 to support him and his family during his recovery.

LNER managing director David Horne has also praised his actions, saying they "were incredibly brave, and we are so proud of him."

Passengers reported that the violence began shortly after the service passed through Peterborough, prompting the driver to bring the train to an emergency stop at Huntingdon.

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed address, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in relation to the stabbings, along with a further attempted murder charge linked to an alleged attack in London. He is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December.

Image: LNER