Ten people have been hospitalised, nine with life-threatening injuries, following a mass stabbing aboard a London-bound train on Saturday night. Two people were arrested after armed police, who reportedly used a Taser on one man holding a knife, stormed the service at an unscheduled stop. Counter-terrorism police have joined the investigation into the attack.
The incident occurred on the 18:25 GMT London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. According to passengers, at least one person began stabbing people shortly after the train passed through Peterborough. Police received calls from those on board at approximately 19:40, prompting the train to be diverted to Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire.
Armed officers boarded the train at Huntingdon and arrested two individuals. A large emergency response, including air ambulances, was dispatched to the scene. Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty described seeing about 10 ambulances, several fire engines, and over 20 police cars upon his arrival. On Sunday morning, a police presence and forensic tents remained at the station. The ten injured victims were transported to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as wounded passengers ran through carriages to warn others. One witness, Olly Foster, recounted hearing shouts to “run, there’s a guy stabbing literally everyone.” He saw an older man with gashes to his head and neck who had reportedly shielded a younger girl from the attacker. Other passengers used their jackets to try and stem the man’s bleeding. Some people hid in toilets while others fled towards the front of the train.
British Transport Police (BTP) has declared a major incident and is working with counter-terrorism officers to “establish the full circumstances and motivation.” Ch Supt Chris Casey urged against speculation, stating that enquiries were ongoing. The BTP confirmed it had briefly activated “Plato,” the national code for a marauding terror attack, before rescinding it.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack “appalling” and “deeply concerning,” extending his thanks to the emergency services. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was receiving regular updates, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch described the event as an “absolutely horrific attack.”
The incident has caused significant disruption to rail services. LNER has urged passengers to avoid travelling on Sunday and advised that tickets for the weekend would be valid until Tuesday. Customers not travelling are eligible for a full refund. Tickets are being accepted on several other operators, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and East Midlands Railway, though widespread delays are expected.
Source link
