At least nine passengers were critically injured in a mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train in central England on Saturday night, sparking a major police operation and national alarm.
According to the British Transport Police (BTP), ten people were taken to hospitals following the assault on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. Nine remain in life-threatening condition, though no deaths have been reported.
The violent attack prompted BTP to declare a “major incident” and temporarily activate “Plato”, the national response code for a possible terrorist situation. Authorities later confirmed that the alert was lifted after determining the assault did not appear to be terror-related.
Two people were arrested after the train made an unplanned stop at Huntingdon Station in Cambridgeshire, where armed officers swiftly boarded the carriages and detained the suspects.
Witnesses Describe Chaos Onboard
Passengers described the horror that unfolded inside the moving train. One witness, Wren Chambers, told the BBC she heard “screaming and shouting” before a man ran past “bleeding quite badly on his arm.”
Another passenger, identified only as Gavin, told Sky News he saw a man waving a “large knife” before being tasered by police. “He was waving a knife, quite a large knife, and then they detained him,” Gavin said. “I think it was a Taser that got him down in the end.”
A third witness, Olly Foster, said a “heroic older man” shielded a young girl during the assault. “He took a gash on his forehead and another on his neck trying to protect her,” Foster told the Daily Mail.
Videos from the scene showed bloodied victims being rushed out of the station as dozens of emergency vehicles lined the streets with flashing blue lights.
Major Emergency Response
Emergency services deployed multiple air ambulances, critical care teams, and tactical commanders to the scene. The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed it had dispatched personnel from several regional units.
BTP Chief Superintendent Chris Casey described the stabbing as “a shocking incident” and said detectives were “conducting urgent enquiries” to determine what happened. He urged the public to avoid speculation while the investigation continues.
National Reaction
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “deeply concerning,” thanking emergency services for their swift response. “My thoughts are with all those affected,” he said on X.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy and is receiving constant updates on the investigation. “People should avoid speculation at this early stage,” she advised.
The London North Eastern Railway (LNER) warned passengers of major disruption along the East Coast Main Line, one of Britain’s busiest rail routes connecting London to Edinburgh. The company urged travelers not to use the affected route until further notice.
Background
While the UK rarely experiences large-scale stabbings, knife crime has risen significantly over the past decade. Official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) recorded over 51,500 knife-related offenses in England and Wales over the past year, compared to just 5,103 gun crimes.
Authorities say the motive for the train attack remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ identities and intent.