HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE—A routine train journey was plunged into terror late Saturday evening after multiple passengers were brutally stabbed on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service, triggering a massive armed police response and causing chaos across the UK’s East Coast mainline.
Police confirmed that the train was intercepted and stopped at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, where armed officers stormed the carriages and arrested two men in connection with the appalling attack. Multiple victims were immediately rushed to hospital, though their conditions remain undisclosed.
Rampage on the Rails
The incident began around 7:39 p.m. on the LNER service traveling from Doncaster toward London King’s Cross. Witnesses reported that the attack, described by one shadow minister as a “brutal mass attack,” started shortly after the train left Peterborough station.
Details from passengers who were on board paint a horrific scene:
- Panic and Bloodshed: One witness recounted seeing a person fleeing through their carriage, shouting, “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed.” The individual was “extremely bloodied” and later collapsed, requiring immediate medical attention upon the train’s arrival.
- Armed Standoff: Another witness described seeing an armed police team directing their weapons at one of the suspects who had reportedly alighted the train and was “waving a large knife” on the platform before being tasered and restrained.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary and British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed a joint operation at Huntingdon station, where the major incident unfolded and the two suspects were taken into custody.
Political Condemnation and Public Concern
The violent attack on the public transport network drew immediate and strong condemnation from Britain’s most senior political figures.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to social media to express his shock and concern, stating:
“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.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also released a statement, saying she was “deeply saddened” and urging the public to “avoid comment and speculation at this early stage,” while confirming she is receiving regular updates on the police investigation.
The Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Paul Bristow, described hearing reports of “horrendous scenes” on the train.
Rail Network Paralysis
The large-scale emergency response forced the immediate closure of all lines through Huntingdon station, bringing services across the busy LNER route to a standstill. The train operator issued an urgent “Do Not Travel” advisory, warning of major disruption that could last until the end of the day. The A1307 road approach to the town center was also closed to facilitate the influx of emergency vehicles.
Authorities have not yet released any information regarding the motive behind the stabbings, nor the severity of the victims’ injuries, as the focus remains on the ongoing investigation at the scene.