Hero who confronted mass train stabbing suspect named as friends pay tribute
Stephen Crean has been named as the hero who confronted a mass train stabbing suspect near Huntingdon.
The heroic Nottingham Forest supporter who stepped in during a horrific knife attack on a train near Huntingdon, leaving 10 people requiring hospital treatment, has been identified as Stephen Crean.
Despite fellow passengers urging caution due to his smaller build, Mr Crean allegedly informed another Forest supporter that he was "going to go confront him".
Mr Crean was subsequently spotted at Huntingdon station, clearly wounded and being treated by medics.
A photograph of Mr Crean, thought to be from Hertfordshire, has been circulated on Facebook by his mate Sanj Beri.
In an emotional message, Beri penned: "Get well soon, Stephen Crean. We are all thinking of you. One of the very best and a true hero.", reports the Mirror.
The message was accompanied by a heart emoji.
Beri went on to heap praise on his pal, saying: "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," reports Nottinghamshire Live.
Social media has been awash with posts lauding Mr Crean's brave intervention.
One user wrote: "Unbelievably brave. Get well soon."
Another commented: "Not all heroes wear capes. Get well soon."
Referencing Mr Crean's football loyalty, one person shared: "Speedy recovery and hope that you will be back to the City Ground to cheer on our team this season."
Another Nottingham Forest supporter, Alistair Day from Hertford, found himself caught up in the horrifying assault whilst travelling back from the clash against Manchester United. After missing his connection, he boarded the 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross.
Positioned close to the buffet car, Mr Day witnessed passengers fleeing towards him and initially believed it was a prank. He told the BBC : "I thought it was like a prank - Halloween or students. Then they're getting louder and louder."
Nevertheless, the sight of blood on some passengers rapidly made him grasp the gravity of the circumstances.
Despite crew members attempting to shut the buffet car shutters, Mr Day and others demanded entry. He recalled: "No, you've got to let us in."
Once inside, he came face-to-face with the blade-wielding assailant at the window. It was Mr Day who observed the courageous actions of Mr Crean.
The assault took place shortly after the 6.25pm train left Peterborough station. Thanks to the swift response of the train driver, Andrew Johnson, the alarm was sounded and the train was redirected from the fast track to the slow track, which has a platform at Huntingdon.
Initially, two men were detained by the British Transport Police, but one has since been freed after confirmation that he was not involved. The other man remains in police custody.
The investigation continues, with counter- terrorism assistance, although it is not currently being treated as terrorism. The train's guard, who courageously tried to stop the assault, is still fighting for his life, while five others have been discharged from hospital.