The quiet evening in Cambridgeshire was shattered when a knife attack erupted on a train near Huntingdon, leaving nine people fighting for their lives and plunging commuters into chaos.
Authorities have launched a counter-terrorism investigation as the scale of the incident comes into focus.
Two Arrests Made at the Scene
Police confirmed that two individuals were arrested at Huntingdon station following the rampage.
Ten victims were rushed to hospital, with nine suffering life-threatening injuries and one in serious but stable condition. Thankfully, there have been no fatalities.
British Transport Police (BTP) declared the incident a “major incident” and are working alongside counter-terrorism units to uncover the motives behind the attack.
Emergency Response in Full Swing
At one point, officers declared “Code Plato,” a protocol reserved for marauding terror attacks, though this was later rescinded.
Around thirty officers responded to the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross after the train halted in Huntingdon.
Witnesses said the attack began shortly after the train departed Peterborough.
Passengers recounted frantic scenes, with some hiding in toilets to escape a suspect reportedly armed with a large knife.
Others were trampled in the panic as commuters tried to flee.
Armed Police Intervene
Bystanders described armed officers arriving on the platform, tasering a man carrying a knife.
Videos circulating online showed police vehicles speeding toward the station and armed officers rushing onto the platform around 7:42 pm.
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey described the incident as “shocking” and emphasized the ongoing investigations to determine the circumstances.
He urged the public to remain patient as cordons and road closures remained in place while the response continued.
Eyewitness Accounts Reveal Chaos
Passengers shared harrowing accounts of the attack.
One man, Gavin, told Sky News how people moved through the train, bloodied and panicked, while trying to escape the suspect.
“They were extremely bloodied,” he said. “When we pulled in, one person had collapsed on the floor, and we couldn’t move further down the train. Armed police were pointing at the suspect as we disembarked.”
Train Services Disrupted
LNER issued a strong “do not travel” warning, citing disruption that could last through the day.
Forensic officers and specialists, including police dogs, were seen combing the station and tracks for evidence.
Multiple police vans, emergency service vehicles, and drones swarmed the scene late into the night.
Air ambulances, paramedics, and incident support teams were deployed to assist victims, while road closures around Huntingdon, including the A1307, were implemented to ensure safety.
National Leaders Respond
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the attack “appalling” and expressed his concern for the victims, while urging the public to follow police guidance.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Secretary of State Heidi Alexander echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing caution and avoiding speculation.
Political figures from across the spectrum, including Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philip, condemned the attack and extended their sympathies to victims and emergency personnel.
Local Officials Voice Concern
Local authorities and politicians expressed their shock at the scale of the attack.
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty described the emergency response as both “staggering” and “terrifying” in light of the violence.
Cambridgeshire Mayor Paul Bristow thanked emergency services and urged calm while more information emerged.
Police and Emergency Services Provide Updates
BTP confirmed that the two suspects were in custody and that the investigation was ongoing.
Ten victims were hospitalized, with nine in life-threatening condition.
Counter-Terrorism Policing is assisting in determining the full circumstances.
Cambridgeshire Police and the East England Ambulance Service confirmed their extensive response, which included tactical commanders, critical care teams, and air ambulances from across the region.
LNER warned passengers of ongoing service disruptions, affecting multiple routes including Hull, Lincoln, Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, and Thameslink services through Huntingdon.
How the Public Can Help
Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact BTP by texting 61016 with reference 663 of 01/11/25.
Public cooperation has been critical to the ongoing response and investigation.