Stephen Crean has been hailed a hero after his actions during the mass stabbings on a train(Image: Submitted)
The have-a-go-hero Nottingham Forest fan on the LNER train where a mass stabbing left 10 people in hospital has been named. He is Stephen Crean, who told another Forest fan that he was “going to go confront him”.
It is understood that people tried to talk Mr Crean out of his actions because “he wasn’t the biggest guy”. It is believed that Mr Crean was later seen on the platform at Huntingdon station “covered in blood” and receiving medical attention.
Now a picture of Mr Crean, who is believed to live in Hertfordshire, has been posted on Facebook by friend Sanj Beri. He has written: “Get well soon, Stephen Crean. We are all thinking of you. One of the very best and a true hero.” The post was followed by a heart emoji.
He added: “Lovely lad. Put himself in the line of fire to help others. True legend and hero. He is recovering at home now. He said to thank everyone for the lovely messages and texts.”
A large number of messages have been left on social media praising Mr Crean’s actions. One person said: “Unbelievably brave. Get well soon.” And another added: “Not all heroes wear capes. Get well soon.”
Thinking of the football connection, one person wrote: “Speedy recovery and hope that you will be back to the City Ground to cheer on our team this season.”
Another Forest fan, Alistair Day, also from Hertford, was travelling back from Nottingham Forest’s match against Manchester United when he missed his connection and boarded the 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.
Sitting near the buffet car, Mr Day saw passengers running towards him and initially thought it was a joke. He told the BBC: “I thought it was like a prank – Halloween or students. Then they’re getting louder and louder.” However, when he noticed blood on some of the passengers, Mr Day realised something was very wrong.
He and others tried to enter the buffet car, but the staff were closing the shutters.
Mr Day said he then intervened, telling them: “No, you’ve got to let us in.” Once inside, he saw the attacker at the window with his knife. It was Mr Day who witnessed the actions of Mr Crean.
The attack took place shortly after the 6.25pm train left Peterborough station. The train driver – Andrew Johnson – was able to raise the alarm and the train was diverted from the fast track to the slow track, which has a platform at Huntingdon.
Initially, British Transport Police arrested two men, but one of them has now been released, after police confirmed he was not involved. The other man is still in police custody. The investigation continues with counter-terrorism support, though it is not being treated as terrorism.
The train’s guard who tried to stop the attack remains in life-threatening condition, while five others have now been discharged from hospital.
