Copyright cambridge-news
Over 30,000 people have signed a petition advocating for the legalisation of pepper spray for personal defence. The campaign was initiated by a Midlands man in response to the Huntingdon train attack. Pepper spray, frequently utilised by police forces for crowd control and restraint, is currently classified as a prohibited weapon in the UK. However, Alex Asprey from Wolverhampton, who started the petition on Change.org, believes that legalising the spray could provide a sense of security for individuals, particularly women, who feel vulnerable. He said: "Passengers were trapped in the carriage with nowhere to run and nothing to defend themselves with. In moments like that, people are completely powerless, and it shouldn't have to be that way." The assault occurred shortly after the LNER service had passed Peterborough and was diverted to Huntingdon, reports Birmingham Live. Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, was subsequently charged with ten counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm and another of possessing a bladed article in relation to the attack. In his petition, Alex said: "Women's safety must come first. Every day in the UK, women travel alone, walk home at night or finish late shifts knowing that violent crime is rising. "The Office for National Statistics reports that more than two out of three victims of domestic abuse-related crimes are women, and around 85,000 women experience rape or serious sexual assault each year. "These numbers aren't going down. In many of these cases, a simple, legal, non-lethal spray could have bought precious seconds to escape or call for help. "General public safety must come second, because violence isn't limited to one group. Knife and violent crime have both increased in the last year, and attacks like the one on the train show that danger can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. "We're asking the UK Government to let responsible adults legally carry regulated personal defence sprays, like low strength pepper sprays under strict rules for sale, age, and use. "Other countries already do this safely. We can too. This isn't about encouraging violence. It's about giving people, especially women, a chance to protect themselves when the police can't be there in time. "It's about helping people feel safe enough to walk their high street at any hour, to go out, shop locally, meet friends, and bring life back to town centres without fear. When people feel safe and secure, communities thrive." A separate petition to honour Samir Zitouni, a "hero" rail worker who attempted to halt the attacker, had garnered around 1,000 signatures. Organiser Chris Arnold, from Chichester, has called for Mr Zitouni to be awarded the George Cross, the nation's highest civilian honour.
