Ten people were hospitalised, nine of them with life-threatening injuries, after a mass stabbing on board the 18:25 London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to King’s Cross on Sunday. However, no fatalities have as yet been reported.
Police have declared a “major incident” and said counter-terrorism officers are assisting with the investigation.
The British Transport Police added that “Plato,” the national emergency protocol used during suspected marauding terror attacks, was activated as a precaution but later stood down.
Attack & arrests at Huntingdon The train was brought to an emergency stop at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire after passengers made multiple 999 calls around 7:39 pm local time. Armed officers quickly boarded the train and arrested two men at the scene.
Emergency services, including air ambulances, responded within minutes as the train arrived at the station.
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said officers were conducting “urgent enquiries to establish what has happened,” and urged the public not to speculate about the motive. Counter-terrorism units are supporting the investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
Passengers described chaotic scenes before being evacuated by police. Forensic teams and police dogs were later seen examining the platform as investigators worked through the night.
Disruption hits rail services
LNER confirmed the attack occurred on one of its services and warned of “major disruption” along the East Coast Main Line and passengers have been advised to check for updates before travelling.
Police said it may take time to establish a motive or further details as inquiries continue.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply concerning,” saying his thoughts were with all those affected and thanking the emergency services for their swift response. “Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police,” he wrote on X.
Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said he had heard reports of “horrendous scenes” on the train. Local police urged residents to stay calm and avoid the area while investigations continue.
(With AP, BBC inputs)