Airlines split on response to Cambridgeshire stabbing hero’s missed flight

Stephen Crean, the 61-year-old hailed as a hero for confronting a knife attacker on a train in Cambridgeshire on 1 November, has criticised Ryanair for refusing to refund a flight he missed while recovering from multiple stab wounds.

Crean was due to travel to Austria on 5 November to watch Nottingham Forest in the Europa League, but injuries to his hand, back, head and hip left him unable to fly. Friends attempted to secure a refund on his behalf, but Ryanair insisted its fares are non-refundable if a flight operates as scheduled. Crean called the stance “sad and childish”, prompting criticism from fellow Forest fans.

A day after his story became public, British Airways stepped in, offering Crean two Club Europe tickets to Porto for Forest’s match against Sporting Braga in January, along with a two-night stay at a five-star hotel through British Airways Holidays. Nottingham Forest will provide match tickets.

Crean said he was overwhelmed by the support: “I’m really grateful to British Airways for making this happen.” Meanwhile, the train attack investigation continues, with a 32-year-old man charged with 10 counts of attempted murder.