Huntingdon train stabbings LIVE: 10 injured in knife rampage – 9 fighting for their lives
Counter-terrorism officers have been called in after a horrific stabbing rampage on board a train left 10 people in hospital – with nine of them suffering from life-threatening injuries. British Transport Police said a “major incident” has been declared while passengers described their terror as multiple people were knifed in a shocking attack as an LNER train approached Huntingdon station, in Cambridgeshire, on Saturday evening.
The emergency services were called at 7.38pm with armed police storming the station and one suspect reportedly being Tasered. A witness told Sky News that he saw “maybe 12 people” being treated for injuries. He said a passenger fled through the train saying “I’ve been stabbed” and added: “They were extremely bloodied. That person ended up, when we pulled in, they were basically on the floor. We couldn’t progress further down the train away from the suspect, because that person ended up collapsing on the floor.
“We were ushered out of the station on the platform, and there was multiple people that had been stabbed that were making their way down, but the suspect had also come off the train as well.”
He also described the moment a suspect was arrested.
“Essentially, as they got closer to him, they started shouting, get down, get down,” said the witness. “He then was waving a knife, quite a large knife, and then they detained him. I think it was a Taser that got him down in the end.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “deeply concerned” by the “appalling incident”.
The train is believed to have been travelling to King’s Cross station in London from Doncaster. The attack is understood to have started just after the train left Peterborough. It was not meant to have stopped at Hungtingdon, with the driver bringing the train to a halt there after passengers pulled the emergency cord.
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Urgent enquiries underway, says British Transport Police CSI
British Transport Police Chief Superintendent Chris Casey has confirmed urgent enquiries are underway.
He said: “This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families.
“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
“Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time. Cordons are in place and trains are not currently running through the area, and there are also some road closures.
“I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation this evening which has already greatly assisted our policing response. We will update you again as soon as we have more information.”
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.
BTP confirm no fatalities
Ten people have been taken to hospital, and nine are believed to have life-threatening injuries.
British Transport Police confirmed there have been no fatalities.
Police have declared the situation a “major incident” and say counter terrorism police are supporting the investigation.
Shortly before 7.45pm last night, the BTP were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service.
Armed officers from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people in connection with the incident.
They have been taken into police custody.
BBC reporter says witness saw man ‘completely covered in blood’
Speaking to the BBC London Underground worker Dean McFarlane said he saw the train pull in with a passenger onboard bleeding at around 8pm.
Mr McFarlane told the channel he saw multiple people start running down the platform bleeding, with one man in a white shirt “completely covered in blood”.
He said he grabbed people and told them to leave the station, and tried to assist passengers who were having panic attacks
Forensics at the station with sniffer dogs
Search dogs have been photographed at the station as the emergency response continues in the wake of a horror stabbing attack on passengers on a train in Huntingdon tonight.
Photographs show police liaising with forensic teams and officers and rail staff on the tracks around the train which has now become a crime scene.
Forensic team with sniffer dog (Image: Getty )
Officers walk the track in front of the train (Image: Getty )
Former Met Police CSI explains protocol during a ‘major incident’
Former chief superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, Dal Babu, told Sky News that the police will have a “very rehearsed programme”, and described what would happen at a major incident.
He said: “They would set up an RVP (rendezvous point) where all the agencies would travel to this site, and they would then be called in to the train station.
“Effectively, you’ve got a crime scene on the train and on the platform area.”
He said once police have detained the two suspects and taken them away, it would be an “absolute priority” to try and help and support people who have been stabbed.
They would try to get eyewitness accounts, forensic information and CCTV evidence to review.
Injured man sprinted through carriage shouting ‘run’
Eyewitness accounts are coming in after tonight’s horrific attack.
Passenger Wren Chambers told the BBC he realised something was wrong when a man sprinted through his carriage, clutching his injured arm and shouting, “they’ve got a knife, run”.
Armed police still at the station as tensions remain high
Highly trained armed response officers could still be seen at the station tonight prowling the train platform in the wake of a horror attack on passengers earlier tonight.
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty said Cambridgeshire Police headquarters was close by to the station as he described the massive response from the force as “simply staggering”
Armed police at the station (Image: Getty )
Armed police at the station (Image: Getty )
Attack reportedly declared a ‘Code Plato’ incident by police
The attack has been designated a ‘Code Plato’ incident by senior officers, the name given to a multi-agency response to a marauding terrorist attack, reports The Mail.
The code word was used in the wake of the Manchester synagogue stabbing.
What we know so far
– Reports suggest up to 12 people have been injured
– Two people have been arrested
– Witnesses said a man “waving a large knife” was tasered by armed police
– The train involved was the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London Kings Cross
– Keir Starmer has condemned the “appalling incident” as “deeply concerning”
– Kemi Badenoch said she is “deeply disturbed” by the “horrific attack”
– Reports suggest up to 30 response vehicles were deployed to Huntingdon, and the ambulance service confirmed air ambulances were sent to the scene
Police presence at station remains large
Police and emergency services remain at Huntingdon station in force tonight as teams scour the scene for clues following the nightmare attack on passengers tonight.
Coaches were also seen at the location arriving to ferry passengers and train crew to their destinations.
A heavy police presence remains (Image: PA)
Passengers boarding coaches (Image: PA )
Did you witness the incident? Get in touch with Express.co.uk
If you know or saw anything relating to the shocking stabbing incident in Huntingdon tonight you can get in touch with the Express team via news.desk@express.co.uk
And if you have images or video you want to share with us you have taken from the scene, please contact us on the email address above.
Train was travelling from Doncaster to Kings Cross
British Transport Police has confirmed the train involved was the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.
It added that “a full update will follow shortly”.
Local MP praises
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Tory MP for Huntingdon, told Sky News the response of the emergency services was “simply staggering” in its magnitude.
Mr Obese-Jecty said officers were “able to neutralise the threat” and two people were arrested.
He added: “So, very reassuring to see such a quick and effective response from the emergency services.
“When I first arrived here, I have simply never seen as big a response to an emergency incident as there were in terms of police, fire and ambulance.
He continued: “I think the swiftness of the response, the number of police officers who were on the scene when I arrived, was simply staggering.
“Huntington station is actually very near to Cambridgeshire Police headquarters.
“So you couldn’t have asked for a shorter distance for that response to occur. So very reassuring. But at the same time, terrifying that this incident has occurred in this area.”
MP Ben Obese-Jecty (Image: Sky News )
Deputy Labour Leader comments on ‘horrific attack’
Deputy Labour Leader Lucy Powell has released a statement following the attack this evening.
Her post on X reads: “My thoughts are with all those involved in this horrific attack, and with their anxious family and friends waiting for news. Awful.”
Searches going on in and around the train
Torch lights could be seen from workers checking in and around the train after the horror incident tonight in Huntingdon. Armed officers were also pictured at the station as the emergency services debrief and come to comprehend what has unfolded.
Torches used around the train (Image: Getty )
Armed police seen with emergency services (Image: PA)
Station platform strewn with debris as emergency services swarm area
Photographs show medical paraphernalia and equipment strewn across the train station and platform in Huntingdon where emergency services could have been treating the injured from tonight’s shocking incident.
Other photos show police searching around the front of the train as the operation to secure the site was underway.
Armed police on the platform (Image: PA )
Debris strewn across the station (Image: PA )
Train thought to have been heading for London
Reports suggest the train had just left Peterborough station when the attack started.
The train is believed to have been travelling from Newcastle to King’s Cross and wasn’t meant to stop at Huntingdon.
Other reports state the train started in Doncaster or Hull.
The Express will update you when this is confirmed.
Rail boss says immediate concern for welfare of crew and customers
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said on X: “I am aware of an incident involving one of our trains. Our immediate concern is for the welfare of our customers and crew who are on board. My thoughts are with the victims.
“We are in the process of gathering all the details we can. Further updates will follow as soon as we have more information.
“Thank you to the emergency services and railway colleagues who are responding to this incident.”
Eye witness describes scenes as man ‘waving large knife’
A witness told Sky News of scenes aboard the train, and of a person “waving a knife”.
His full statement reads: “What happened was I was in coach G, and there was quite a few people coming through coach G, andone of the people that were coming through… I heard them say..’I’ve been stabbed’…
“So they were making their way through the carriage to get away from the incident, from the suspect.
“They were extremely bloodied. That person ended up when we pulled in, they were basically on the floor.
“We couldn’t progress further down the train away from the suspect, because that person ended up collapsing on the floor.”
“We were ushered out of the station on the platform, and there was multiple people that had been stabbed that were making their way down, but the suspect had also come off the train as well.
“So while we were being told to come out of the station, the suspect was obviously running around them as well, and I don’t know the reason. No one knows the reason why.”
He added: “The armed police were pointing to the suspect as we come off the train, I asked what that suspect looked like. They said, it’s a Black male in all black, so a black hoody.
“And then at the back of the station, walking calmly as the police were coming through, the armed police, I said, I think that’s the guy.
“And essentially, as they got closer to him, they started shouting, to get down, get down. He then was waving a knife, quite a large knife, and then they detained him.
“I think it a taser that got him down in the end, but I only saw one person at that point.
“I did not see anyone get stabbed, but there was a lot of people being moved away from being treated for injuries and coming away with colleagues.
“I’d say probably maybe 12 people.”
Police said 30 officers sent to the scene as pictures emerge of possible survivors
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said more than 30 officers were initially called to Huntingdon station.
Images from the scene show scores of ambulance and police at the location along with several people covered in foil blankets who may have been passengers on the train.
People covered with blankets at the scene (Image: Toby Shepheard/Story Picture Agency)
Police and ambulance swarm the station (Image: Toby Shepheard/Story Picture Agency)
Witness describes scenes as armed police shout ‘get down’
A train passenger told Sky News he saw armed police shouting ‘get down, get down’ at a man in all-black clothing, waving a large knife.
He said he was alerted by a fellow passenger about the attacker onboard.
The witness said he saw one person covered in blood and “basically on the floor” before being taken into an ambulance.
He said he believed the suspect was tasered by police.
Ambulance confirm time of first call
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson has confirmed to The Express that they received a call at 7.38pm to reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
They confirmed any further updates will be issued by British Transport Police.
Cambridgeshire Police say incident remains ongoing
A statement on X around 30 minutes ago said: “The incident remains ongoing and the A1307 has been closed as you approach the town centre.
“Officers are working with British Transport Police who are leading on the incident, and anyone with any information is urged to report this to us online: https://cambs.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ quoting incident 495.”
Witnesses at the scene describe ‘pure panic’ and ‘chaos’
One eye witness described the scene on the train as “horrific” and “pure chaos” onboard.
They told the Sun: “There was blood everywhere, it was a terrible scene, really violent. It was like something from a film.
“It didn’t feel real and just sparked pure panic onboard. Shocked onlookers were shaken and traumatised.
“There’s a heavy police presence on the scene at the moment. All the passengers are stuck at Huntingdon.”
There are also reports that passengers inside the train toilets to escape the attackers.
Another witness told Sky News they saw a victim moving through the carriage saying: “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed.”
The bystander, named only as Gavin, said the suspect “doubled back and attacked anyone they could”.
Disrupted traveller pay tribute to train staff
Posting on X, one person affected by the rail disruption tonight paid tribue to rail staff.
Ian Pegg wrote: “So I now know what’s happened. It’s a very serious incident on a train at Huntingdon. Massive big thanks to LNER staff on the 20:03 out of London to Leeds. Mick the train manager and his staff are doing a great job in very difficult circumstances.”
Express journalist receives reports ’10 people stabbed’
Posting on X, Express reporter Christian Calgie wrote: “Mate on an east coast mainline train trying to get home tells me they’ve just been informed by a guard that 10 people have been stabbed, and a staff member is in a very bad way
“We await official details.”
Three hospitals within an hour of Huntingdon
The ambulance service has confirmed multiple people have been taken to hospital.
Hinchingbrooke Hospital is the closest to the small market town.
Peterborough City Hospital is around 30-40 minutes away.
Addenbrooke’s Hospital is located in Cambridge, an hour away from Huntington.
Reform MP Lee Anderson posts reaction
Writing on X tonight, Reform MP Lee Anderson posted “prayers for the victims” alongside a praying emoji.
Images emerge from the scene showing stretchers
Photos and videos on social media show police and ambulance crews with stretchers at the scene of the incident at Huntingdon station at around 7.39pm tonight (Saturday).
Emergency services at the scene (Image: Darren Shaw/ TikTok)
Deputy leader of Reform UK says he is ‘deeply concerned’
Deputy Leader of Reform UK, Richard Tice, says he is “deeply concerned as reports emerge of horrific incident at Huntingdon”.
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and our thanks go to the emergency response teams.”
Ambulance alerted around 3 hours ago
East of England Ambulance Service received a call at 7.39pm alerting them to the incident, it has been reported.
‘Multiple patients’ transferred to hospital as air ambulance deployed
“Mutiple people” have been transported to hospital, the East of England Ambulance Service has confirmed.
A spokesperson says numerous ambulances, tactical commanders and its Hazardous Area Response Team were at the scene in a “large-scale response”.
Air ambulances from the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance also attended.
“We can confirm we have transported multiple patients to hospital.”
Shadow Home Secretary says it “seems to be a brutal mass attack”.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said that it “seems to be a brutal mass attack”.
“My thoughts are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding
“The police and government should provide an update on what happened and who has been arrested as soon as possible.”
LNER say train delays of up to two hours after stabbing incident
In an update on the website the train operator said:
“The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Stevenage and Peterborough. To allow them to carry our their work all lines are closed. Trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to 120 minutes or revised
Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.
Hull Trains customer advice:
Rail replacement has been requested to run. Please speak to station staff / onboard staff and see station information posters for the location of rail replacement pick up points and be advised that journey times may be extended by 90 minutes whilst travelling by rail replacement transport. If you have a train ticket dated for today (01/11/25) you will be able to use your existing ticket on another Hservice tomorrow (02/11/25). The route is expected to be open as normal tomorrow. You dont need to buy a new ticket or change your existing ticket to travel tomorrow.
LNER customer advice:
Customers are advised NOT TO TRAVEL.
If you have a ticket dated today, Saturday 1 November you may defer travel until Monday 3 November. Please make a new seat reservation for your newly intended journey.
You can use your ticket on the following train companies at no extra cost:
Avanti West Coast between London Euston and Manchester Piccadilly
CrossCountry between Sheffield / Doncaster / Leeds / York and Newcastle / Edinburgh
East Midlands Railway between London St Pancras International and Leicester / Sheffield
Greater Anglia between London Liverpool Street and Stevenage / Peterborough
Great Northern and Thameslink between London Kings Cross and Stevenage / Peterborough
Northern between Carlisle and Newcastle
ScotRail between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh
TransPennine Express between Manchester / Leeds and York / Newcastle
Other operators services are also likely to be busy and as it is late in the evening services will be limtied.
Please see the alternative route map for more details.
If you’re unable to make it home this evening due to ‘Do Not Travel’ advice please either book yourself a hotel and claim back the cost of your stay to customers@lner.co.uk. Please include a copy of your train tickets and your hotel receipt. Alternatively you can claim back the cost of a taxi to complete your journey.
If you are on board an LNER service affected by this disruption, your train manager will keep you updated with information about the incident and the impact on your journey today. If you need any urgent help onward travel connections / flights, medical needs etc. please speak to a member of the on train team or call the customer services team on 03457 225 333.
If you are currently waiting at your home station, LNER advise you not to travel by train today. Please defer your travel to an alternative dates.
Thameslink customer advice:
Thameslink trains which usually run between Horsham and Peterborough have been suspended in both directions and will not run until further notice.
North of London
At this time, there will be no service to / from the below stations:
Arlesey
Biggleswade
Sandy
St Neots
Huntingdon
Peterborough
If you are travelling from any of the above listed stations at this time, please speak to station staff, or from unstaffed stations, press the green emergency button on the station help point.
If you are travelling towards these stations from the direction of London / Stevenage, please alight at Hitchin, speak to station staff and additional transport information will be provided.
Please note that this could add an additional 45 minutes onto your journey time depending on your destination.
South of London
Similairly, there will be a reduced service between Horsham and Three Bridges. The below stations will have no Thameslink service in either direction and you may need to use an alternative route.
Horsham
Littlehaven
Faygate
Ifield
Crawley
Southern will still stop at this service.
Incase you need to use an alternative route of travel, your ticket will be accepted on the below services at no additional cost;
Great Northern and Thameslink services via any reasonable route
Southern services via any reasonable route
Metrobus services on the below routes:
2 for Ifield and Crawley
3 for Crawley, Three Bridges, and Gatwick Airport
23 for Worthing, Horsham, Faygate and Crawley
200 for Horsham, Littlehaven, Faygate, Ifield, and Gatwick Airport
100 for Crawley, Three Bridges, Gatwick Airport, Horley, Salfords, Earlswood (Surrey) and Redhill
Please note – LNER will not have any trains running between London Kings Cross and Peterborough for the remainder of the day.
If you’re waiting on a train which is delayed between stations:
If your train is delayed between stations, please stay on board and listen for updates. You can also ask staff if you need more information. Thameslink know where you are and are working to get you moving as soon as possible.
For your safety, please dont leave the train unless instructed. Other trains may still be running, and the tracks can be very dangerous.
Planning your journey:
You can view a live map of the network. This will show where your journey is likely to be affected.
You can also use the app to find up-to-date information.
Can you tell me more about the incident?
The police are currently dealing with a security alert, which means that Thameslink can’t serve these station.
If you are already making a journey to this station, please listen to advice from railway staff and the emergency services, pay attention to announcements and check station screens.
Check before you travel:
You can check your journey using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.
Compensation:
You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.
Police said armed officers responded after reports of multiple stabbings
In a statement on Facebook, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said: “We were called at 7.39pm with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
“Armed officers attended and the train was stopped at Huntingdon, where two men were arrested. A number of people have been taken to hospital.
“The incident remains ongoing and the A1307 has been closed as you approach the town centre.”
Statement from British Transport Police
British Transport Police said on X: “We are currently responding to an incident on a train to Huntingdon where multiple people have been stabbed.
“Officers are in attendance alongside CambsCops and two people have been arrested.”
Home Secretary being ‘regularly updated’ on situation
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the attacks and said she is being regularly updated.
A statement released on X says: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the stabbings in Huntingdon.
“My thoughts go out to all those affected. Two suspects have been immediately arrested and taken into custody.
“I am receiving regular updates on the investigation. I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.”
Kemi Badenoch releases comments on ‘horrific attack’
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has just responded to the news.
Her statement reads: “Deeply disturbed by the reports emerging from Huntingdon.
“This is an absolutely horrific attack and my thoughts are with all those affected including the emergency responders at the scene.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer releases statement
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned the “appalling incident” in a statement on X.
It reads: “The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.
“Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.”
Statement from RMT union
RMT has released a statement following the reports of multiple stabbings tonight in Huntingdon.
General secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “I am deeply concerned to hear reports of multiple people stabbed onboard an LNER train tonight.
“The thoughts of everyone at RMT are with the victims, train crew and all the emergency services dealing with this unfolding incident.”
What we know so far
Police have confirmed multiple people have been stabbed on a train to Huntingdon.
Emergency services are responding to the incident between Stevenage and Peterborough.
Pictures from the scene
Pictures shared online, which have not been verified by The Express, show multiple flashing emergency response vehicles at the scene.
Several people have been stabbed on a train in the Huntingdon area of Cambridgeshire, England, polic (Image: X)
Several people have been stabbed on a train in the Huntingdon area of Cambridgeshire, England, polic (Image: X)
Live blog coverage
Good evening. We will be running a live blog to keep you updated tonight.
