At least ten people were hospitalised after a stabbing spree on a London-bound train late Saturday evening, out of which nine of the victims are believed to have “life-threatening injuries”, reported British authorities. According to the police, two suspects have been arrested following a large-scale emergency operation.
The incident occurred aboard a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service travelling from Doncaster to London’s King’s Cross. Armed officers intercepted the train at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire around 7:40 pm (local time) after reports of “multiple people” being stabbed.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that two men had been arrested at the scene, while Cambridgeshire Constabulary said “a number of people” were taken to hospital following the attack. The identities and motives of the suspects have not yet been disclosed.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes inside the carriages as panic broke out.
“There was blood everywhere. People were screaming and hiding in the toilets,” one witness has been cited by The Times. Another said passengers trampled over each other trying to escape, while a man was seen wielding a large knife before being tasered and restrained by police on the platform.
Emergency services, including multiple ambulances, air ambulances, tactical commanders, and the Hazardous Area Response Team, rushed to the scene.
“We can confirm that multiple patients have been transported to hospital,” the East of England Ambulance Service said on X.
Images from the site showed paramedics treating victims on the platform and passengers wrapped in foil blankets being escorted away. The train was cordoned off as a crime scene late into the night.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “appalling” and said his thoughts were with the victims and their families. “My thanks go to the emergency services for their swift response. Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police,” he posted on X.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” and confirmed that two suspects were in custody. “I am receiving regular updates on the investigation. Please avoid comment and speculation at this early stage,” she said.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described it as a “brutal mass attack” and urged authorities to release details as soon as possible.
The attack caused major disruption on the East Coast Main Line, with LNER advising passengers not to travel due to emergency activity at Huntingdon. The route connects several major cities including York, Cambridge, and Edinburgh.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow said he was “hearing reports of horrendous scenes on a train in Huntingdon,” adding, “My thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Britain has witnessed a worrying rise in knife-related crimes in recent years. Official data show that knife offences in England and Wales have increased steadily since 2011, even as firearm incidents remain rare due to strict gun laws.
As per authorities, the investigation into the Huntingdon attack is ongoing and they urged anyone with information or footage to come forward.
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