Key Highlights
- A mass stabbing occurred on a Doncaster to London train at 18:25 GMT.
- Ten people were injured, with nine suffering life-threatening injuries.
- Counter-terror police have joined the investigation following a reported “marauding terror attack” response code.
- The incident took place on Saturday night and lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Mass Stabbing on Train: A Shocking Incident in Cambridgeshire
A shocking mass stabbing occurred on a train traveling from Doncaster to London, with ten people injured. Eyewitnesses described panic and confusion as the attack unfolded, with multiple individuals reportedly stabbed after the train passed through Peterborough.
Details of the Attack
The incident took place on Saturday night at 18:25 GMT on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service. Passengers reported that a single individual began stabbing them as the train was passing through Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Emergency crews and police rushed to Huntingdon station after receiving calls from passengers.
The train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, where armed police boarded and arrested two suspects.
A large emergency service response ensued, including air ambulances, as well over 20 police cars were present when the BBC arrived just after 21:00. Forensic tents were set up to aid in the investigation.
Victims and Eyewitness Accounts
The attack resulted in ten people being taken to Addenbrookes Hospital, with nine of them suffering life-threatening injuries. Emergency responders used their jackets to help stop bleeding while passengers sought safety inside toilets or rushed towards the front of the train.
“Run, there’s a guy stabbing literally everyone and everything,” one witness, Olly Foster, reported, describing the chaos on board. Another eyewitness, Wren Chambers, recounted seeing a person stabbed in the arm and others shouting about the attacker with a knife.
Police Response and Investigation
The British Transport Police (BTP) has declared a major incident, with counter-terrorism officers supporting the investigation to establish full circumstances. Ch Supt Chris Casey stated that urgent enquiries are being conducted but no conclusions could be drawn at this stage due to the ongoing nature of the event.
At one point, BTP had declared “Plato,” the national code word for a marauding terror attack response, though it was later rescinded. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed concern over the incident, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged people to avoid speculation and receive regular updates on the investigation.
Impact on Train Services
The East Coast Mainline services were significantly impacted by the incident. LNER advised passengers to avoid travel on Sunday 2 November due to delays expected across the train system, including from other operators in the region. Passengers could use their tickets on alternative services without additional cost.
Despite the shocking nature of this event, authorities have emphasized that such attacks are rare and that the overall safety record of the railway network remains strong. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical role played by emergency responders and law enforcement in responding to unexpected situations.
