Three MPs have called for two men who confronted a knife-wielding attacker on a train to be awarded the George Cross.

Pippa Heylings, the Liberal Democrat MP for South Cambridgeshire, tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament urging that Samir Zitouni and Stephen Crean receive the nation’s highest civilian honour for acts of exceptional bravery.

Mr Zitouni, an LNER employee on the Doncaster to London service, was critically injured on Saturday after intervening to protect passengers from the assailant. Mr Crean confronted the attacker in an effort to block him from entering the buffet car, where people had sought refuge.

The motion has been backed by two other Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrat MPs, Charlotte Cane and Ian Sollom, as well as party leader Ed Davey. While Early Day Motions allow MPs to call for parliamentary debate, they do not have the power to confer awards. Any recommendation for the George Cross must come from the George Cross Committee, then be submitted via the prime minister to King Charles III.

In a joint statement, the MPs said: “The bravery shown by Samir Zitouni and Stephen Crean undoubtedly saved lives. Their bravery and disregard for their own safety in putting others first represents the very best of Britain. Mr Zitouni placed himself in harm's way to protect passengers, sustaining serious injuries in the process, while Mr Crean confronted the attacker to give others time to reach safety. Both men's actions were nothing short of heroic, and they deserve the highest recognition our country can give. We would also like to pay tribute to the response of the train driver, emergency services, and the incredible staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital, who continued Samir's and Stephen's example of selflessness and care to ensure the safety and recovery of all those affected.”

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, has been charged with ten counts of attempted murder related to the train attack, as well as a count of attempted murder in connection with a separate incident in London. He is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 1 December.

Image: LNER/Stephen Crean