Barber Jailed After Threatening to Kill Train Passengers With Razor and Shouting “Kill All the English”

A 35-year-old barber has been sentenced to two years in prison after brandishing a cut-throat razor aboard a train in southeastern England and threatening to kill passengers and railway staff.

Hogr Saeed was travelling on a Southeastern service bound for Dover Priory on April 3, 2026, when he became aggressive after a passenger asked him to speak more quietly on his phone. The incident escalated into a frightening confrontation that left passengers seeking safety in another carriage.

Saeed was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on October 22, after pleading guilty to multiple offences. <Cite refs={[“turn202203news3″,”turn202203search0”]}/>

Confrontation Escalates on a Train
The incident took place at approximately 8:45 p.m., according to evidence presented in court.

Prosecutor Surinder Singh Gohlan told the court that Saeed had been drinking alcohol and began shouting at passengers after being asked to lower his voice during a phone call.

His behaviour reportedly became increasingly threatening before he produced a cut-throat razor and brandished it at people on board.

Saeed made threats to kill passengers and staff, including saying he would kill everyone on the train and stab people. He also shouted, “Kill all the English,” and asked passengers whether they knew what jihad meant.

The threats caused alarm among those travelling on the service. Railway staff acted quickly to protect passengers, moving them into another carriage while police were contacted.

The situation remained dangerous until the train reached its destination, where officers were waiting to intervene. <Cite refs={[“turn202203news3″,”turn202203search0”]}/>

Arrested at Dover Priory Station
Kent Police and British Transport Police officers were waiting at Dover Priory station when the train arrived at around 9 p.m.

Saeed was arrested, and a search resulted in the recovery of a cut-throat razor and a pair of scissors. The court heard that the items were associated with his work as a barber.

His threatening behaviour reportedly continued after his arrest. While being transported in a police vehicle, he threatened officers, spat on the vehicle’s wall and urinated on the floor.

During a police interview the following day, Saeed said the razor was for his job but denied brandishing it at passengers. He admitted urinating in the vehicle, saying he had been unable to control himself.

He was subsequently charged with affray, criminal damage, making threats to kill and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place. He later pleaded guilty to the offences. <Cite refs={[“turn202203news3″,”turn202203search0”]}/>

Train Manager Describes Lasting Impact
The court heard a victim impact statement from train manager Laura Griffiths, who had been working during the incident.

Griffiths described the lasting effects the experience had on her, including anxiety, flashbacks and difficulty sleeping. She said she had felt unsafe at work since the confrontation and had begun actively looking for places where she could feel protected.

Her account illustrated how the incident affected railway employees as well as passengers who were caught up in the threats.

Detective Constable Nichola Shepherd, the investigating officer, described the experience as terrifying for people who found themselves trapped in a train carriage with an armed and threatening individual.

She said the incident had caused genuine fear and distress that could continue to affect those involved.

The case highlights the particular vulnerability of passengers during an emergency on a moving train, where leaving the scene may not be immediately possible. <Cite refs={[“turn202203search0″,”turn202203news3”]}/>

Defense Cites Mental Health Concerns
During sentencing, defense lawyer Louis Adams told the court that Saeed had spent a significant period in custody awaiting the outcome of the proceedings.

The defense also presented information from a psychiatric expert, who reportedly believed Saeed displayed symptoms of schizoaffective disorder and that his mental health had affected his behaviour.

The court heard that Saeed had attended a Home Office appointment on the day of the incident and was distressed because he believed he might be deported. The defense said he had consumed alcohol after the appointment.

Adams told the court that his client regretted his actions and wanted help with his mental health.

These details were presented as part of the defense’s mitigation. They do not excuse the threats made against passengers and staff, but they formed part of the information considered by the court when determining the sentence. <Cite refs={[“turn202203news3”]}/>

Two-Year Prison Sentence
Saeed, an Iraqi national with no fixed address, was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment at Canterbury Crown Court on October 22, 2026.

Police said the guilty pleas brought the criminal proceedings arising from the incident to a conclusion. The case was investigated jointly by Kent Police and British Transport Police.

Authorities said the sentence should reassure victims that threatening behaviour of this kind would be treated seriously.

Saeed is also expected to face deportation, according to reports, although the criminal sentence and any subsequent immigration action are separate matters.

Police Praise Staff Who Helped Protect Passengers
Detective Constable Shepherd praised the railway staff who helped move passengers away from the confrontation while police were alerted.

Their actions helped reduce the immediate danger before officers boarded the train at Dover Priory and arrested Saeed.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting threats and following staff instructions during emergencies on public transport.

For those who witnessed the confrontation, the conclusion of the court case brings a formal outcome, although the psychological effects described by train staff may take longer to resolve.

Sources: The Sun