A major police investigation is under way after a mass stabbing on a London-bound train left at least nine people seriously injured and two in life-threatening condition.
The attack took place on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service travelling from Doncaster to King’s Cross on Saturday evening.
British Transport Police (BTP) said officers received reports of multiple stabbings at around 7:42pm. Armed police boarded the train when it stopped at Huntingdon station, arresting two men within eight minutes of the first emergency call. Ten people were initially taken to hospital, with one more later self-presenting. Four of the injured have since been discharged.
Superintendent John Loveless of BTP described the attack as “a shocking incident” and confirmed that two suspects, a 32-year-old black British man and a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Both men, born in the UK, remain in custody at separate police stations.
Police declared a major incident on Saturday night and briefly invoked “Operation Plato,” the national response to a potential marauding terror attack. Counter-terrorism officers initially supported the operation, but Superintendent Loveless later confirmed that the attack is not being treated as terrorism-related.
“The investigation is ongoing,” he said. “At this stage there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident. We continue to work at pace to establish the full circumstances and motivations that led to this incident.”
Superintendent John Loveless revealed more information about the attack suspects in a press conference in Hungingdon.
This is what we know about them so far:
- One of the attackers is a 32-year-old male who is black and a British national.
- The other is a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent.
- Both men were born in the UK.
- The men were arrested at Huntingdon Station, eight minutes after the first 999 call to emergency services.
- Both were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
- They remain in separate police stations for questioning this morning.
Eyewitness Accounts of Panic and Heroism
Passengers described scenes of chaos as the train became the site of the attack. Witnesses reported a man dressed in black walking through the carriages with a large knife.
One passenger, identified only as Steve, told the BBC he was travelling with his children when panic spread through their carriage.
“Someone said there had been a stabbing and people started to move quite quickly,” he said. “It was unnerving not knowing what was happening, knowing you were in a box and couldn’t get out.”
Another passenger, Olly Foster, said he initially thought it was a Hallowe’en prank until he saw blood on his hand and seats. He described an older man who intervened to protect a young girl, sustaining injuries to his head and neck.
Witnesses said passengers hid in toilets or ran through carriages to escape.
“There was blood everywhere,” one told The Sun. “It was like something from a film. It didn’t feel real and just sparked pure panic.”
Response from Emergency Services and Officials
Armed officers, paramedics, and fire crews flooded Huntingdon station, where the train remains cordoned off at Platform 2. Forensic teams were seen examining the scene throughout Sunday morning.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised the “exceptional bravery” of passengers and staff.
“We now know this attack is not being treated as terrorism, and that two British-born, British nationals have been arrested,” she said. “The emergency services responded rapidly and saved lives.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said the public should remain “vigilant,” while Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced a heightened police presence at stations and on trains to reassure passengers.
“We will see a high-visibility presence of officers throughout today,” Ms Alexander said. “My thoughts are with those impacted by the shocking incident in Huntingdon last night.”
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called for justice to be done, praising the “extraordinary bravery” of passengers who stepped in to protect others. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the attack as “deeply concerning” and thanked emergency services for their swift response.
The King also issued a statement through Buckingham Palace, saying he and Queen Camilla were “truly appalled and shocked” by the “dreadful knife attack,” extending “deepest sympathy and thoughts” to those affected.
Investigation Continues
Police have urged anyone with information to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 and quoting reference 663.
Although trains are now running through Huntingdon, the station remains closed as officers continue forensic examinations.
Passengers’ belongings, including clothing and bags, were still visible inside the carriages on Sunday morning, a stark reminder of the chaos that unfolded during one of Britain’s most shocking incidents on the rail network in recent years.
Main Image: For illustration purposes only.
