Counter-terrorism officers have joined a major investigation after nine people were left with life-threatening injuries during a brutal knife attack on a high-speed train travelling through Cambridgeshire.
The incident occurred around 7.40pm on Saturday when the train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross was forced to make an emergency stop at Huntingdon station following reports of multiple stabbings.
According to British Transport Police, two people have been arrested in connection with the attack.
A total of ten individuals were taken to hospital, including nine passengers suffering from critical injuries.
One of the attackers was reportedly Tasered by officers after being confronted onboard. Police confirmed that the man was subdued following what witnesses described as a “bloody rampage.”
Panic and Chaos Onboard
Passengers on the train said panic spread rapidly about ten minutes after it departed from Peterborough station. Many tried to flee as screams echoed through the carriages.
Some passengers locked themselves inside toilets while others jumped over seats in panic. Several witnesses described seeing pools of blood before the train came to a stop at Huntingdon.
Emergency services including armed police, air ambulances, and paramedics responded within minutes. The train was surrounded as officers evacuated passengers in a coordinated rescue effort.
Major Incident Declared
Police declared a “major incident”, activating emergency protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. At one stage, authorities briefly declared “Plato”, the national code word for a potential marauding terror attack.
That alert was later rescinded after security teams established that there was no immediate wider threat to the public.
However, counter-terrorism officers remain closely involved in the investigation to determine motive and coordination.
A police spokesperson said investigators were “keeping an open mind” but stressed there was no ongoing danger to other train services or stations in the area.
Political Leaders Respond
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as “deeply concerning” and praised the emergency services for their quick action. “My thoughts are with all those affected,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” by the attack, urging the public not to speculate until the facts are clear.
“The investigation is ongoing, and it’s vital that we let the authorities carry out their work,” she said.
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who attended the scene, told Sky News that the scale of the response was unprecedented.
“I’ve simply never seen such a large emergency turnout. The coordination between police, fire, and ambulance services was remarkable,” he said.
Witness Accounts and Investigation
Witnesses reported that one of the suspects was wearing dark clothing and appeared agitated before pulling out a large knife. “People were screaming and trying to hide anywhere they could,” said one passenger.
Another eyewitness told Sky News they saw one of the men being subdued by officers with a Taser. “It was chaos blood everywhere, people crying, others trying to help,” the witness added.
Authorities Appeal for Information
British Transport Police confirmed forensic teams are examining the train and nearby station area.
CCTV footage and passenger videos are being reviewed as part of the inquiry.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called the scenes “horrific” and offered his support to victims and emergency responders. Tory Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake described the incident as “horrifying,” adding that the “priority must be ensuring the safety of all passengers.”
Police have urged anyone with footage or information about the attack to contact authorities immediately.
The victims remain in hospital as detectives work to piece together the motive behind the shocking assault.
Editing by M10News Crime Desk | Contact: crime@m10news.com
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