A mass stabbing on a London-bound train late Saturday has left at least 10 people hospitalised, nine of them with “life-threatening injuries,” according to British Transport Police (BTP). The horrifying incident unfolded when the train was stopped in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, prompting a massive emergency response.
Armed officers, ambulances, and air rescue units rushed to the scene around 7:40 pm after distress calls from passengers on the Doncaster-to-London King’s Cross service. Authorities quickly detained two suspects, and counter-terrorism officers joined the investigation to determine the motive.
“Ten people have been taken to hospital following a multiple stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire. Nine are believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries,” the British Transport Police said on X.
Police described the train as a “major crime scene”, with investigators combing through evidence and interviewing traumatised passengers.
Witnesses Describe ‘Blood Everywhere’
Passengers recounted terrifying scenes of chaos and panic. One eyewitness told The Times that a man wielding a large knife began attacking passengers seemingly at random.
“There was blood everywhere. People were screaming, hiding in the toilets. Some tried to stampede out as the train stopped,” The Times quoted eyewitnesses as telling.
A witness told Sky News that police tasered a suspect on the platform after the train was halted.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “appalling” and “deeply concerning.”
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,” Starmer wrote on X.
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Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed two arrests had been made and urged calm as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, Cambridgeshire Mayor Paul Bristow said he was aware of “horrendous scenes” and offered his “thoughts and prayers” to victims and families.
Large-Scale Emergency Response
The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that multiple ambulances, tactical commanders, and air ambulances were dispatched to Huntingdon station.
Train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) suspended services between Peterborough and London, warning passengers of major disruption.
Images from the scene showed paramedics treating people under space blankets outside the station. Police urged commuters to avoid the area as forensics teams continued their work late into the night.
The stabbing has reignited debate over Britain’s escalating knife crime crisis.
Government data shows knife-related incidents have risen steadily since 2011.
Starmer’s government has labelled the issue a “national emergency” and launched campaigns to remove dangerous weapons from the streets. The Home Office recently announced that nearly 60,000 blades have been seized or surrendered under nationwide crackdowns.
Despite these efforts, Britain continues to witness deadly knife attacks — including the recent Manchester synagogue stabbings and a broad-daylight murder in London earlier this month.
Ongoing Investigation
The motive for the Huntingdon train attack remains unclear. Police said both suspects were in custody and being questioned.
Trains on the LNER route are expected to face delays as authorities complete their forensic investigation.
Officials have urged anyone with video or eyewitness evidence to come forward.
