A terrifying knife assault occurred on a high-speed train bound for London last night, resulting in ten individuals being hospitalized, with nine sustaining severe injuries.
The incident unfolded on November 1, during the 18.25 service departing from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, en route to London King’s Cross. Reports of multiple stabbings on the train prompted a swift response from police, paramedics, air ambulances, and transport authorities who rushed to Huntingdon station where the train made an emergency stop.
Eyewitnesses mentioned that the attack occurred shortly after departing Peterborough station in Cambridgeshire, approximately 50 minutes away from London. British Transport Police disclosed that ten individuals were hospitalized, with nine facing life-threatening conditions. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities.
The distressing event involved a man wielding a large knife. Authorities arrested two suspects in connection with the stabbings, and one of them was reportedly subdued with a taser.
Passengers described chaotic scenes of panic as they sought refuge from the violence, with some hiding in train toilets. Witnesses recounted how individuals trampled over one another in a bid to escape. One observer mentioned a moment of bravery where an elderly man shielded a young girl from the attacker, sustaining injuries himself in the process.
As the night progressed, the situation escalated to a “major incident,” prompting the involvement of counter-terrorism units to aid in the investigation. The station remains closed, and several train services have been disrupted as a result.
British Transport Police confirmed the incident in a statement, stating that ten individuals were transported to hospitals, with nine in critical condition. The police emphasized that the investigation was ongoing with the support of Counter Terrorism Policing to determine the circumstances and motives behind the attack.
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey expressed shock over the incident, emphasizing the priority of tending to the injured and their families. Urgent inquiries are being conducted to unravel the events leading to the attack, with authorities refraining from speculating on the causes at this early stage.
The response efforts continue at the station, with cordons in place and disruptions to train services and road closures.