Mass Stabbing on Train Leaves Ten Hospitalized in Cambridgeshire

Huntingdon, England — Ten people are in the hospital, with nine suffering life-threatening injuries, after a stabbing attack on a London-bound train on Saturday evening. The British Transport Police (BTP) have declared the incident a “major incident” and said that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack, which took place on the 6:25 PM LNER service from Doncaster to King’s Cross.

The incident prompted multiple emergency services to respond to Huntingdon Station shortly after 7:39 PM local time, where the train made an unscheduled stop. Chief Superintendent Chris Casey described the attack as a “shocking incident” but did not provide details about the suspect or possible motive, urging people not to speculate.

According to BTP, the situation was so serious that officers deployed “Plato,” the national code for a marauding terrorist incident, although this was later rescinded. Witnesses say people aboard the train shouted warnings, such as “run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone.” One bystander recalled seeing a man flee the carriage, bleeding, and yelled, “they’ve got a knife, run!”

The attack reportedly started shortly after the train departed Peterborough, leaving passengers in a state of panic. Eyewitness Olly Foster stated he initially thought the shouting was part of a Halloween prank. However, he quickly realized the severity of the situation as he witnessed victims running from the scene.

As armed police responded, they apprehended a man on the platform wielding a large knife. He was later tasered. Local authorities have not disclosed the identities of those injured or arrested.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as deeply concerning and expressed his thoughts for those affected. He praised the emergency services for their prompt response. Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty also noted the significant presence of emergency services on the scene, calling it unprecedented.

In response to the attack, LNER has warned of ongoing rail disruptions throughout Sunday, advising passengers to defer travel. The mayor of Cambridgeshire, Paul Bristow, stated he was shocked and deeply concerned by the event, emphasizing his thoughts for the victims.

The BTP continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack and asks anyone with information to come forward.