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Pepper Spray Legalisation Petition Nears 33,000 Signatures After Huntingdon Train Stabbings

Pepper spray remains a prohibited weapon carrying up to ten years in prison under the Firearms Act 1968.

Overview

  • A Doncaster-to-London King’s Cross service was attacked and diverted to Huntingdon, leaving 11 people needing hospital treatment.
  • Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm and possessing a bladed article.
  • Change.org organiser Alex Asprey says regulated, age-restricted personal defence sprays would offer a non-lethal option for people who feel powerless.
  • Campaigners cite European countries such as France, Germany, Poland and Latvia where civilian pepper spray is permitted under varying rules.
  • A separate petition seeks to honour rail worker Samir Zitouni, credited with trying to stop the attacker, and has gathered around 1,000 signatures.