Cambridgeshire, UK — A knife attack on a London-bound passenger train Saturday evening left at least eleven people hospitalized, prompting a massive emergency response and raising renewed concerns about violent crime on Britain’s public transport network. British Transport Police confirmed that two British nationals have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The incident is not currently being treated as terrorism.
The attack took place aboard the 6:25 p.m. LNER Azuma service traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. Passengers began calling emergency services shortly after the train departed from Peterborough. Witnesses reported scenes of panic as bleeding victims rushed through carriages, shouting for help.
The train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station, roughly 15 minutes south of Peterborough, where armed officers boarded and detained the suspects within eight minutes of the first 999 call. Police temporarily invoked “Plato”, a national protocol used during suspected marauding terror attacks, but withdrew it when no evidence of terrorism surfaced.
Injuries and Medical Response
According to authorities:
Eleven people were treated at local hospitals
Nine were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries
Four of those have since been discharged
Two remain in critical condition
Ambulances, air-ambulance crews, and additional emergency units responded. Forensic teams were seen working through the night on the platform and surrounding station area.
Suspects in Custody
Police say the suspects are:
A 32-year-old Black British man
A 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent
Investigators have not released their identities or a possible motive. Officials emphasized that racial and nationality details were disclosed quickly to prevent misinformation, referencing last year’s Southport murder case where false rumors ignited riots across UK cities.
Eyewitness Accounts
Passengers described chaotic scenes as victims ran through carriages covered in blood. One witness told the BBC:
“People were huddled together in fear. Everyone was pushing forward trying to escape.”
Another described a man sprinting down the carriage, shouting, “They’ve got a knife!” Passengers reportedly attempted to stop bleeding using jackets and improvised bandages. One older passenger reportedly intervened to shield a young girl, sustaining cuts to his head and neck.
Political Reaction
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the event “horrific” and praised first responders for their “exceptional bravery.” King Charles issued a rare public statement expressing shock and offering sympathy to victims and their families. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said rising violent crime demands uncomfortable national conversation, adding, “We cannot be a country where people are simply going about their business and facing this level of violence.”
Investigation Continues
Counter-terror officers are assisting British Transport Police, though officials insist there is nothing to indicate ideological motivation. Authorities urged the public not to speculate, stressing that false narratives can drive unrest. Witnesses and anyone with footage have been asked to text evidence to BTP on 61016, referencing 663.
Train Service Disruption
London North Eastern Railway urged travelers to delay trips, warning disruptions would last throughout Sunday. Huntingdon station and nearby roads remain partially closed while forensic examinations continue. The nine-carriage Azuma train involved in the attack was still parked at Platform 2 early Sunday morning, its display frozen on “London King’s Cross.”
Knife Crime Context
Knife-related offenses remain a national concern in England and Wales. While there has been a small year-over-year decline, the government recorded nearly 50,000 knife crimes in the last cycle. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has previously described knife violence as a “national crisis.” Carrying a knife in public without legal justification carries penalties of up to four years in prison.
What We Still Don’t Know
Authorities have not yet confirmed:
The identities and ages of the victims
How the suspects obtained the weapon
A possible motive
Whether there was any prior connection between suspects and victims
Police say additional updates may take time.