Everything we know about Huntingdon train knife attack as 9 victims fighting for life

Ten people are in hospital, nine with life-threatening injuries, following a stabbing attack on a passenger train in eastern England on Saturday evening, with police confirming counter-terrorism officers are supporting the investigation but it is not being treated as terrorism. Two men have been arrested after the incident on a London-bound LNER service, which prompted a major emergency response including armed officers.

The attack occurred around 7.40pm on the 6.25pm train from Doncaster to London King's Cross, shortly after it departed Peterborough station. Eyewitnesses described chaos as a man with a large knife stabbed passengers indiscriminately across carriages. Olly Foster told the BBC he heard shouts of "Run, run, there's a guy literally stabbing everyone" amid "pure panic", with blood on chairs and floors as people pushed through to escape. Wren Chambers, another passenger, recounted hearing cries of "they've got a knife, run!" while people huddled together.

The emergency cord was pulled, halting the train at Huntingdon station, where British Transport Police (BTP) officers arrived and tasered one suspect, detaining a second nearby.

A major incident was declared, with the "Plato" protocol for a potential marauding terrorist attack briefly invoked before being stood down.

Counter-terrorism specialists from the Metropolitan Police are assisting due to the incident's scale and apparent randomness, but BTP has emphasised that the motive remains unknown and speculation should be avoided.

The victims suffered multiple stab wounds and are receiving treatment at local hospitals, with one reported to have stable injuries. No further details on their conditions or identities have been released.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the "appalling incident" as "deeply concerning", stating: "My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was "deeply saddened" by the stabbings and urged the public to avoid speculation "at this early stage".

Services on the East Coast Main Line remain disrupted until Monday, with LNER advising passengers to defer travel.

The attack comes amid rising concerns over knife crime in England and Wales, where 50,510 offences were recorded in the year ending March 2024.

Rail unions have praised the quick actions of staff and passengers in raising the alarm.

Forensic teams are examining the train at Huntingdon depot and reviewing CCTV and witness footage as part of the ongoing investigation. The two suspects remain in custody.

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty called the events "appalling and devastating", adding: "My thoughts are with all those victims who were injured during this heinous attack." He paid tribute to the emergency services' response.

BTP is appealing for witnesses to come forward via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.