Two people were arrested after a stabbing broke out on a train traveling to Huntingdon, Cambridge. The attack happened on the 6:25 pm service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, shortly after the train left Peterborough.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said officers received a call at 7:39 pm (local time). Armed police immediately rushed to Huntingdon station, where they detained two suspects. The force confirmed that several passengers were injured during the incident.
Ambulance Teams Launch Major Rescue Effort
Soon after the attack, the East of England Ambulance Service sent out a “large-scale response” team. The service deployed multiple ambulances, tactical commanders, and the hazardous area response team to handle the situation.
A spokesperson said, “We can confirm we have transported multiple patients to the hospital.” Emergency crews worked quickly to treat the wounded and move them to nearby medical centers.
Witnesses Recall Terrifying Moments
Passengers on the train described moments of fear and confusion as the stabbing unfolded. One witness told Sky News that a man moved through the carriage warning others, saying, “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed.”
The witness said the man was “extremely bloodied” and collapsed before help arrived. “That person ended up collapsing on the floor. They were taken to an ambulance pretty much straight away,” the witness recalled.
Other passengers said several people sprinted through the train to escape the attacker. Another witness reported seeing armed police at the platform pointing weapons at a man holding a large knife. Officers then used a taser to subdue and restrain him.
Authorities Confirm Arrests and Investigation
British Transport Police confirmed the arrests in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter). The post read, “We are currently responding to an incident on a train to Huntingdon where multiple people have been stabbed. Officers are in attendance alongside CambsCops, and two people have been arrested.”
Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire Constabulary urged anyone with information to come forward. “Please report information online or call 101, quoting incident 495 of November 1,” the statement added.
PM Starmer Condemns Attack
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply concerning” and praised the quick actions of emergency responders.
“The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning. My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response. Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police,” Starmer said in a post on X.
Local MP Praises Swift Response
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty also commended the emergency services for their rapid and effective action. “Very reassuring to see such a quick and effective response from the emergency services,” he said. “I’ve simply never seen as big a response to an emergency incident as there was in terms of police, fire and ambulance.”
Home Secretary Urges Caution
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the attack and advised the public not to speculate. “I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage,” she wrote in a post on X.
Investigation Underway
Police continue to investigate the motive behind the stabbing and the condition of those injured. Authorities have increased patrols in the area but assured the public that there is no ongoing danger.