'Have-a-go' hero confronts mass train stabbing suspect in carriage as friends pay tribute

Stephen Crean has been named as a hero who confronted the Huntingdon train stabbings attacker, which left 10 people in hospital on Saturday night, as his friends pay heartfelt tribute to "one of the very best".

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The brave Nottingham Forest fan who intervened during a mass stabbing on a train near Huntingdon, which resulted in 10 people being hospitalised, has been named and pictured as Stephen Crean.

Despite warnings from fellow passengers due to his smaller stature, Mr Crean reportedly told another Forest fan that he was "going to go confront him".

Mr Crean was later seen at Huntingdon station, visibly injured and receiving medical attention. A photograph of Mr Crean, believed to be a Hertfordshire resident, has since been shared on Facebook by his friend Sanj Beri.

In a heartfelt post, Beri wrote: "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.

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Beri continued to praise his friend, stating: "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 flooded with messages commending Mr Crean's courageous actions. One user commented: "Unbelievably brave. Get well soon."

Another added: "Not all heroes wear capes. Get well soon."

Reflecting on Mr Crean's football allegiance, one person posted: "Speedy recovery and hope that you will be back to the City Ground to cheer on our team this season."

Another Nottingham Forest fan, Alistair Day from Hertford, found himself in the midst of the terrifying attack while returning from the match against manchester-united-fc>Manchester United. After missing his connection, he boarded the 6.25pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross.

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Seated 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, the sight of blood on some passengers quickly made him realise the severity of the situation.

Despite staff attempting to close the buffet car shutters, Mr Day and others insisted on entering. He recounted: "No, you've got to let us in."

Once inside, he came face-to-face with the knife-wielding attacker at the window. It was Mr Day who witnessed the heroic actions of Mr Crean.

The attack occurred shortly after the 6.25pm train departed Peterborough station. Thanks to the quick thinking of the train driver, Andrew Johnson, the alarm was raised and the train was diverted from the fast track to the slow track, which has a platform at Huntingdon.

Initially, two men were arrested by the British Transport Police, but one has since been released after confirmation that he was not involved. The other man remains in police custody.

The investigation is ongoing, with counter-terrorism support, although it is not currently being treated as terrorism.

The train's guard, who bravely attempted to halt the assault, is still battling for his life, whilst five others have been released from hospital.