Mass Stabbing on UK Train Leaves Nine Critically Injured; Two Arrested as Counterterrorism Police Join Probe

According to Rokna, citing The Guardian, nine people are in critical condition after a mass stabbing on a train traveling near Cambridge in eastern England on Saturday evening, according to police. Two men have been arrested, and counterterrorism officers are assisting in the investigation into what Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as an “appalling incident.”

The British Transport Police confirmed that the investigation remains in its early stages and said efforts are underway to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the attack. The force temporarily activated “Plato,” the national alert protocol used when authorities suspect a potential marauding terror attack, though that declaration was later withdrawn.

Chief Superintendent Chris Casey of the British Transport Police said officers are conducting “urgent enquiries” to understand what took place. “It may take some time before we can confirm further details,” he said, warning against speculation about the cause of the violence.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary reported that armed police were deployed after receiving reports of a major incident at Huntingdon station at around 7:39 p.m. “The train was halted at Huntingdon, where two men were detained,” the statement read.

The East of England Ambulance Service said it launched a large-scale emergency response, dispatching multiple ambulances, tactical units, and its hazardous area response team. “We have transported several patients to hospital,” a spokesperson confirmed.

Witnesses described chaotic scenes onboard the train. One passenger recalled seeing a man move through the carriage, shouting, “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed.” The witness told Sky News that the victim was “covered in blood” and collapsed before being taken away by paramedics.

Several passengers reportedly fled through the train to escape the attacker. Another witness said armed officers later confronted a man on the platform at Huntingdon station who was holding a large knife; he was subdued with a taser and restrained.

Estimates of the number of victims varied, with some witnesses reporting between six and twelve injured passengers. Police said the attack occurred on the 6:25 p.m. LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, shortly after leaving Peterborough station.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the event “deeply concerning” and urged the public to follow police guidance. “My thoughts are with all those affected,” he said on X (formerly Twitter), thanking emergency services for their swift action.

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty praised the rapid response, saying he had “never seen such a large-scale mobilization of police, fire, and ambulance crews.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” by the attack and appealed for people to avoid speculation while investigations continue.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which operates the train line, confirmed the attack took place on one of its services and advised passengers not to travel due to “major disruption.” All lines through Huntingdon station remain closed, and National Rail said disruptions are expected until Monday.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp described the event as “a brutal mass attack” and urged police and government officials to provide an update as soon as possible.

Cambridgeshire Police asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward, quoting reference 495 of 1 November, or to call 101.