A 32-year-old man from Peterborough is being treated as the sole suspect in a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire, British Transport Police (BTP) have confirmed.
The man, described as a black British national, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after armed police and paramedics boarded an LNER service at Huntingdon station around 7.40pm on Saturday.
A second man, aged 35 and from London, who was also detained at the scene, has since been released with no further action. BTP said he was “reported in good faith” but later confirmed he was not involved.
The attack is believed to have begun shortly after the train departed Peterborough for London King’s Cross. Witnesses described panic as passengers ran through carriages and hid in toilets to escape a man wielding a large knife. The suspect is believed to have boarded the train at Peterborough.
Eleven people were injured, ten of whom were taken to hospital. One victim — an LNER rail staff member who intervened to stop the attacker — remains in a life-threatening condition. Detectives said CCTV footage showed the staff member’s “heroic” actions “undoubtedly saved many people’s lives.”
Train driver Andrew Johnson, also from Peterborough and an Iraq War veteran, was praised for diverting the train to allow emergency services rapid access.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply concerning,” while the King said he and the Queen were “appalled and shocked” by the “dreadful” attack.
Revealed: Hero Huntingdon train driver who saved lives with quick-thinking is Royal Navy and Iraq War veteran https://t.co/eBtMRvtCC5
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) November 2, 2025
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
TONIGHT’S STATEMENT FROM BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE
Detectives investigating a multiple stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire can this evening confirm a 32-year-old man who was arrested is now being treated as the only suspect.
A 35-year-old man from London who was also arrested at the scene has been released with no further action. It was reported in good faith to officers responding to the incident that he was involved in the attack, and following enquiries we can confirm that he was not involved.
The 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody. He is from Peterborough and it is known that he boarded the train at Peterborough station.
A knife was recovered by officers at the scene.
Five casualties have now been discharged from hospital and one remains in a life-threatening condition. This casualty is a member of LNER rail staff who was on the train at the time and tried to stop the attacker. Detectives have reviewed the CCTV from the train and it is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident.
“As would be expected, specialist detectives are looking into the background of the suspect we have in custody and the events that led up to the attack.
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the brave member of rail staff whose family are being supported by specialist officers.
“Having viewed the CCTV from the train, the actions of the member of rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives.
“My thanks to the public for their patience while we continue our investigation at Huntingdon station. We hope that we will be able to support GTR in reopening the station soon.
“Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.”
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday’s incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition, and their family.
“I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they provided to those injured. I would also like to recognise the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions.
“This is a deeply upsetting incident. Over the coming days we will continue to cooperate with the authorities involved and will do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues during this very difficult time.”
