Major Incident Declared: Two Arrested After Mass Stabbing on UK Train Leaves Nine Critically Injured
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – British Transport Police (BTP) have launched a major incident investigation, supported by Counter Terrorism Policing, following a mass stabbing attack aboard a London-bound passenger train in Cambridgeshire late Saturday evening. Ten people were rushed to the hospital, with authorities confirming that nine of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries. There are currently no reported fatalities.
Immediate Police Response and Timeline
The violent incident occurred on the 6:25 PM London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. The alarm was raised at approximately 7:39 PM as the train was nearing Huntingdon station. Armed officers from the BTP and Cambridgeshire Constabulary swiftly attended the scene, where the train was halted.
Witness Descriptions and Arrest Details
Police confirmed the arrest of two male suspects at Huntingdon station in connection with the attack. Witness accounts reported scenes of panic, with one suspect wielding a large knife before being reportedly subdued and detained using a Taser by attending officers. Passengers described the chaos as people scrambled for safety, with some hiding in carriage washrooms to escape the attack.
Counter-Terrorism Support and Motivation Inquiry
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey of the BTP described the incident as “shocking” and confirmed the involvement of counter-terrorism specialists to assist in establishing the full circumstances and motivation. While the national code word “Plato,” used for potential marauding terror attacks, was briefly declared, it was later rescinded, and police have urged the public to refrain from speculation regarding the motive at this early stage.
Political Reaction and Infrastructure Disruption
The attack has prompted immediate and widespread political reaction, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer describing the events as “appalling and deeply concerning.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also expressed her sadness and confirmed she is receiving regular updates as the investigation progresses. Services on the East Coast Main Line have been severely disrupted, with Huntingdon station closed and LNER advising passengers against non-essential travel in the area as forensic work continues at the crime scene. Police have appealed for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to officers to come forward with information.
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