Counter-terrorism police are investigating a mass stabbing on a London-bound train that left nine people with life-threatening injuries. Armed officers arrested two men after the attack on Saturday evening near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
The incident occurred on the 6:25 PM LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross, shortly after it departed Peterborough station.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as passengers fled through carriages. Gavin, a passenger in coach G, told Sky News: "I heard them say: 'They've got a knife, I've been stabbed'. They were making their way through the carriage to get away from [...] the suspect. They were extremely bloodied." He described how armed police detained a suspect wielding "quite a large knife", reportedly using a Taser.
British Transport Police confirmed ten people required hospitalization, with nine suffering life-threatening injuries and one with non-life-threatening wounds.
Officers initially declared "Plato" - the national code for a marauding terror attack - before withdrawing it. Counter Terrorism Policing is now supporting the investigation.
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said: "This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families. We're conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened. [...]"
Political Response
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the attack as "deeply concerning" and thanked emergency services for their response.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the arrests, stating: "I am receiving regular updates on the investigation. [...] I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage."
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it "an absolutely horrific attack".
Travel Disruption
LNER issued a "Do Not Travel" warning as all lines through Huntingdon remained blocked. Police closed the A1307 road approaching the town centre. The train operator extended ticket validity until November 3 and offered to reimburse hotel or taxi costs for stranded passengers. LNER expected disruption to last until the end of the day.
Witnesses told The Sun the scene was "like something from a film" with "blood everywhere". Emergency services mobilised a large-scale response including air ambulances and specialist teams. The incident remained under investigation with officers maintaining cordons at the station.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
