On Saturday night, a mass stabbing occurred on a train traveling from Doncaster to London, causing significant alarm among passengers. The brutal attack left ten individuals injured, with nine reportedly suffering life-threatening injuries. Law enforcement responded quickly, employing a Taser on one assailant wielding a knife. Two suspects were apprehended during the incident.
Details of the Attack
The stabbings unfolded on the 18:25 GMT service operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER). This train was en route to King’s Cross station when the assailant began targeting passengers after the train had passed through Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Emergency services received alerts around 19:40 from terrified passengers on board.
In response to the emergency calls, police dispatched teams to Huntingdon station, where the train made an unscheduled stop approximately 15 minutes from Peterborough. Armed officers quickly boarded the train and arrested two individuals. The police response involved a substantial presence, including air ambulances and numerous emergency vehicles. The incident lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Victims and Eyewitness Accounts
Ten individuals were transported to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge for medical attention. Eyewitness reports detailed scenes of chaos and confusion. Passengers fled through the carriages, many covered in blood.
- Olly Foster witnessed a man sustaining significant injuries while trying to shield a younger girl from the attacker.
- Another witness, Wren Chambers, reported seeing a victim who had been stabbed in the arm.
- London Underground worker Dean McFarlane described seeing bloodied individuals on the platform at Huntingdon station.
Investigation and Official Reactions
The British Transport Police (BTP) classified the event as a major incident, with counter-terrorism officers involved in the ongoing investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Ch Supt Chris Casey emphasized the need for thorough inquiries and cautioned against premature speculation regarding the motives.
Initially, the BTP activated the national emergency code word “Plato” for a “marauding terror attack,” though this was later withdrawn.
Government Response
The attack drew swift condemnation from political leaders. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer deemed it “appalling” and expressed concern for the victims and gratitude to the emergency responders. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood noted she was receiving regular updates, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch expressed her distress over the incident.
Impact on Train Services
In the aftermath, LNER urged passengers to avoid travel on Sunday, November 2. Those with unused weekend tickets were informed they could use them until November 4 for later journeys. Train services faced disruptions throughout the East of England and London on that day. Ticket holders were advised to verify their travel arrangements due to possible cancellations and delays.
Available Train Services
Passengers could utilize their tickets on the following services without incurring additional fees:
- Avanti West Coast: London Euston to Manchester
- TransPennine Express: Manchester to Leeds and York/Newcastle
- ScotRail: Glasgow Central to Edinburgh Waverley
- Northern: Carlisle to Newcastle
- East Midlands Railway: London St Pancras to Leicester and Sheffield
- CrossCountry: Sheffield to Doncaster/Leeds, York, and Newcastle/Edinburgh
- Greater Anglia: London Liverpool Street to Stevenage and Peterborough
- Great Northern and Thameslink: London King’s Cross to Stevenage and Peterborough
- London Northwestern Railway: From Euston
As the investigation continues, further updates are expected regarding the condition of the victims and the motives behind this tragic attack.
