Two men are in police custody following an incident in which nine people were stabbed on a train heading to London. The incident occurred on Saturday night at about 7:40 PM on a service that left from Doncaster and was going toward King’s Cross station. Police have said this was not a terrorist incident.
The passengers described terrifying scenes when a man with a bloodied knife chased people through the moving train. Joe, 24, said that other travellers started shouting: “You need to run, you need to run!” at him. He dropped his belongings and ran through the carriages, not knowing what would happen if they reached the end of the train with nowhere left to go.
Police Moved Swiftly
Armed officers boarded the train just eight minutes after the first emergency calls came in. They arrested two British men at the scene. One is 32 years old and the other is 35. Both are being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder. Police have not said why the attack happened.
Eleven people altogether went to hospital. Two are still in critical condition and fighting for their lives. Four others were sent home. Some passengers hid in the buffet car and locked the doors. Alistair Day, who traveled home after a football match, related that he saw the attacker at the window trying to get in but the door was already secured.
Hero Passengers Helped Others
One witness told reporters that an older man blocked the attacker from stabbing a young girl; the man ended up with cuts on his head and neck. Passengers put pressure on wounds and tried to help the injured before ambulances arrived.
King Charles issued a statement on the “horrific attack,” saying he and the Queen were “appalled and shocked.” He called for thanks to go to the “rapid” emergency services. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised the “exceptional bravery” of passengers and train staff who helped during the chaos. The train remained at Huntingdon station overnight as forensic teams studied the scene.
News At Glance
- Nine people stabbed on Doncaster to London train Saturday night around 7:40 PM
- Two British men, aged 32 and 35, were arrested within eight minutes on suspicion of attempted murder.
- Two victims remain in life-threatening condition, four have been discharged from hospital
- Passengers fled through carriages as attacker chased them with bloodied knife
- Police confirm this was not a terrorist incident, investigation ongoing
FAQs
Q: Was this a terrorist attack?
A: No, police say there is nothing to suggest this was terrorism. Two British nationals have been arrested.
Q: How many people were hurt?
A: Eleven persons were taken to hospital in all, of whom two are still in critical condition, four have been discharged and others are being treated.
Q: How did police catch the attackers?
A: The armed officers boarded the train, which stopped at Huntingdon station, just eight minutes after passengers called 999. Two men were arrested at the scene.
Q: Did passengers help each other?
A: Yes. There are witnesses describing people putting pressure on stab wounds, blocking the attacker to protect other people, and helping people hide in the buffet car.
Q: Are trains safe to use now?
A: Services resumed Sunday morning with increased police presence at stations and on trains to reassure passengers. Huntingdon station remains closed.
___________
To read more world news, explore Inspirepreneur Magazine and subscribe to our newsletter.
