A train bound for London King’s Cross was transformed into a scene of unspeakable horror last night, leaving ten people injured, nine of them with life-threatening wounds, after a mass stabbing attack.
The violence erupted aboard the 6:25 PM London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster as it sped south through Cambridgeshire. The train was brought to a screeching halt at Huntingdon station at approximately 7:39 PM, where armed police stormed the carriages and arrested two men.
British Transport Police (BTP) immediately declared a “major incident” and confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing units are supporting the ongoing investigation, although officials have urged the public not to speculate on the motive at this early stage. The national emergency protocol, “Plato”—used in the event of a marauding terror attack—was briefly initiated before being stood down.
Eyewitness accounts from passengers describe scenes of pure chaos and terror as one or more assailants moved through the carriages.
“It was like something from a film—really violent,” one passenger told reporters, describing how others were forced to hide in toilets. Another witness recalled seeing a man stumble past their carriage, covered in blood and shouting, “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed!”
The swift and decisive action of the emergency services was praised by officials. A large-scale response was mobilised by the East of England Ambulance Service, deploying multiple ambulances, tactical commanders, and critical care teams, including three air ambulances that landed near the station to transfer the critically injured to regional hospitals.
Sources close to the operation confirmed that one of the suspects, reportedly armed with a large blade, was tasered by armed police on the platform before being restrained and taken into custody.
The appalling incident has sent shockwaves across the country, prompting swift condemnation from Westminster.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a statement on X, calling the incident “appalling and deeply concerning,” and offering his thanks to the police and paramedics.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” and confirmed she was receiving regular updates on the investigation. She echoed police appeals for the public to “avoid comment and speculation” while officers work to establish the full circumstances of the attack.
The Member of Parliament for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, also praised the emergency response, stating he had “never seen as big a response” to an incident in the town.
Train services on the East Coast Main Line remain severely disrupted, with LNER advising passengers not to travel through the area and warning that disruption is expected to continue into Monday. Police cordons remain in place around Huntingdon station as forensic officers scour the crime scene for clues.
Sunday 02 November 2025. Picture by Terry Harris.
A statement from Superintendent John Loveless which was delivered at the scene of Huntingdon station this morning.
“This is a shocking incident and my thoughts are with those who have been injured and their families.
At 7.42pm we were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross
Officers immediately attended Huntingdon station alongside paramedics, where armed police from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people within 8 minutes of the first 999 call. The two men remain in police custody.
A 32-year-old man, a black British national, and a 35-year-old man, a British national of Caribbean descent, were both arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Both were born in the UK. They remain in police custody this morning for questioning.
Ten people were taken to hospital by ambulance and another person self-presented at hospital later that evening. While nine were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries, following assessment and treatment, four have been discharged and two patients remain in a life-threatening condition.
We declared a major incident yesterday and Counter Terrorism Policing were initially supporting our investigation however at this stage there is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident. This is a British Transport Police investigation. We continue work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
The station remains closed, but we expect trains to be passing through the station from this morning. Passengers will see a high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains throughout today who are there to reassure the public and respond to any concerns.
I’d like to thank the public for their patience and their cooperation yesterday evening which has already greatly assisted our investigation – as well as the multi-agency response from the emergency services including our colleagues at Cambridgeshire Police, East of England Ambulance Service, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and Counter Terrorism Policing.
Lastly – I’d appeal for anyone with information, who hasn’t already spoken to police, to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.”
More than 30 officers — including armed units — swarmed Huntingdon Train Station just after 7.30pm following horrific reports that several passengers had been stabbed while on board a train heading into the town.
The train was brought to a sudden halt at Huntingdon, where police moved in and arrested two men at the scene. Witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as officers surrounded the carriages and commuters were ordered to stay back.
Police closed the A1307 near the town centre, with emergency vehicles flooding the area.
https://twitter.com/PolitlcsUK/status/1984735855806705819
A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 7.39pm with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train. Armed officers attended and two men were arrested at Huntingdon. The incident remains ongoing, and officers are working closely with British Transport Police.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact police online quoting incident 495 or call 101 if you can’t access the internet.
