LONDON (AP) - British police confirmed that a mass stabbing incident occurred on a London-bound train, resulting in 10 individuals being transported to hospitals, nine of whom are reported to have life-threatening injuries. In an official statement released early Sunday, authorities declared the event a "major incident," with counter-terrorism police offering support in the ongoing investigation.
The British Transport Police revealed that the attack took place on a train traveling from Doncaster to London King's Cross as it approached Huntingdon station around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. The officers responded swiftly, with armed police and air ambulances arriving shortly after alert notifications were made. The station is located approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of London.
Initial reports indicated that "multiple people" had been stabbed, leading to the rapid mobilization of emergency services. The stabbing incident has been largely contained following the train's arrival at the station, according to official sources. While no specific motive has been provided for the attack, two individuals have been arrested in connection with the events at Huntingdon station.
The East of England Ambulance Service reported that a large-scale response was initiated, noting that "multiple patients" were hospitalized as a result of the incident. Armed police from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary quickly arrived at the scene after being alerted, contributing to the rapid handling of the situation.
In reaction to the attack, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern, stating that his “thoughts are with all those affected” by the “appalling incident.” He also extended gratitude to the emergency services for their swift response. Starmer urged anyone in the vicinity to follow police advice during this unfolding situation.
Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, described the incident as displaying "horrendous scenes" on the train. In light of the event, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which operates East Coast Mainline services in the U.K., confirmed that the incident occurred on one of its trains and advised passengers against travel due to "major disruption." The transport company worked quickly to manage the situation and provide information to affected travelers.
This unprecedented attack has raised significant concerns about safety in public transport systems and prompted investigators to work diligently to understand the motivations behind it. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they aim to piece together the full circumstances surrounding this disturbing incident.
