In a harrowing incident, passengers aboard a train were forced to take refuge in a restroom as a knife-wielding assailant went on a stabbing spree, according to eyewitness reports.
The frightening episode led to the arrest of two men following accounts of multiple stabbings on a train near Huntingdon around 7:39 p.m. on Tuesday.
Authorities, including armed officers, swiftly responded to the situation on the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train after it made an emergency stop in the Cambridgeshire town. Several individuals have been transported to the hospital for treatment.
Witnesses recount that the attack unfolded shortly after the train departed from Peterborough station, with passengers seeking safety in the train’s toilets as one of the suspects brandished a large knife.
Social media is circulating videos that capture the urgency of the response, showing police vehicles racing to the scene as specially trained officers surged onto the platform.
In light of the incident, train operator LNER has advised passengers against traveling, cautioning that disruptions are anticipated to continue throughout the evening.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the ‘appalling’ incident near Huntingdon as ‘deeply concerning’.
‘My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,’ he said in a statement.
Pictured: Police response after several people were stabbed on a train in the area of Huntingdon today
Pictured: Armed forces rushing to the scene where several people on a train travelling through Cambridgeshire were stabbed
Travellers reportedly hid in toilets as one suspect carried a ‘big knife’ amid the attack, witnesses said
The A1307 in the direction of the town centre has also been closed as the incident remains ongoing, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said.
British Transport Police issued the above statement via X earlier this evening
‘Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.’
Elsewhere, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was ‘deeply saddened’ by the stabbings.
‘My thoughts go out to all those affected. Two suspects have been immediately arrested and taken into custody,’ she said.
‘I am receiving regular updates on the investigation. I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.’
Secretary of State Heidi Alexander echoed her colleagues’ messages while adding that she was being updated on the matter and is working closely with the BTP.
Chris Philip, the shadow Home Secretary, said: ‘Horrific scenes in Huntingdon, in what seems to be a brutal mass attack by two perpetrators,’ he said.
‘My thoughts are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding.
‘The police and government should provide an update on what happened and who has been arrested as soon as possible.’
Local Labour councillor, Alex Bulat, voices her sympathies for those affected amid ongoing reports.
‘Really worrying,’ she wrote to Facebook, ‘My thoughts are with the victims and their families.’
Armed officers rushed to the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train following reports of multiple stabbings at around 7.39pm this evening
Two men were arrested after the train stopped at Huntingdon, and several people have been taken to the hospital
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty also said via X: ‘I am aware of the incident and am trying to establish further information.
‘My thoughts are with the victims and those involved.’
A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: ‘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.
‘Further updates will be shared here.’
Train firm LNER said via X: ‘Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident at Huntingdon all lines are blocked.
‘Train services running through this station may be delayed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
‘Please check before you travel.’
Elsewhere, several train routes have been impacted, including Hull Trains to Hull and LNER trains to Lincoln, Doncaster, Leeds, Bradford Forster Square, and Harrogate.
Thameslink trains between Horsham, Kings Cross and Peterborough have also been affected.
