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European countries to increase security checks on trains following attack

European ministers have agreed to increase security on key international rail routes and improve intelligence sharing after the thwarted gun attack on a French train.

Three Americans and a British grandfather managed to overpower a suspected Islamist gunman who opened fire on a high-speed train heading to Paris last week.

Moroccan national Ayoub El Khazzani has been charged with attempted murder of a terrorist nature and was remanded in custody after a hearing in the capital.

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Serviceman describes 'waking up' to tackle France gunman

An American serviceman has told press how he woke up from a deep sleep moments before tackling a gunman on a French train last week.

Speaking for the first time since the incident, Spencer Stone described turning around to see the suspected terrorist with what appeared to be an AK-47.

He said he and US National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos then tackled the man, after which Stone put him in a chokehold which eventually led to him passing out.

"He just kept pulling more weapons left and right," Stone said, adding that the gunman kept "jabbing" at him with a stanley knife.

Stone was speaking alongside Skarlatos, US student Anthony Sadly - a third American involved in the rescue - and US ambassador to France Jane Hartley.

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European countries to increase security checks on trains following attack

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