Eleven People Hospitalised After Train Stabbing Near Huntingdon — Motive Still Unclear as Terror Label Dismissed
Eleven people have been taken to hospital after a mass stabbing aboard a train travelling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross near Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire on Saturday evening. Two suspects, both UK-born men aged 32 and 35, remain in custody on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities have stated that there is currently no evidence to treat the attack as a terror incident.
New injuries update and suspect details
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that the first 999 call was received at 19:42 GMT, and officers arrived within eight minutes. The train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon station where armed Cambridgeshire officers boarded and detained the two suspects. The men, one described as a black British national and the other of Caribbean descent, are being held at separate stations.
Of the eleven victims, nine are described as having had life-threatening injuries. Four have since been discharged from hospital and two remain in critical condition. Police continue to treat the investigation as a major incident, supported by counter-terrorism teams, though they emphasise this is not currently treated as a terror attack.
Motives uncertain, Plato alert rescinded
Police initially activated Operation “Plato” — the national protocol for marauding terror attacks — but later rescinded it after determining that the incident appears to be isolated. Superintendent John Loveless of BTP said: “There is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident at this stage.” He added that it could take time before motives or links are confirmed.
Witness accounts remain harrowing
Passengers described scenes of panic as the attack unfolded just minutes after departure from Peterborough. One said: “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed,” before collapsing. Others fled hiding in toilets or crouched on floors while blood covered carriage surfaces. Reports say one attacker was subdued with a Taser by armed officers.
Political, emergency response and rail disruption
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident an “appalling incident” and said: “My thoughts are with all those affected and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood praised traffic and medical responders: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the stabbings in Huntingdon. I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.”
The train operator London North Eastern Railway (LNER) said services on the East Coast Main Line remain disrupted until at least Monday and urged passengers not to travel unless necessary. Huntingdon station remains closed as investigations continue.
Security vs transport safety: What the incident exposes
The scale of the violence raises serious questions about passenger safety and security on UK rail networks. Although not flagged as terrorism, the fact that a train journey from Doncaster to London was targeted highlights vulnerabilities in transport environments. The event has triggered calls for enhanced visible policing on trains, improved screening and better preparedness for rapid-response operations across rail infrastructure.
What to watch next
- Precise nature of the injuries and whether any fatalities will be confirmed.
- Whether the two arrested suspects face formal charges and what their motive may emerge to be.
- The duration of travel disruption and any compensation or contingency protocols triggered by LNER and rail authorities.
- Any new security policy announcements from the government or rail regulators in response to the attack.
- Release of video or forensic evidence that might shed light on how the attack began and how the suspects obtained access or weapon.
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Author: Fidelis News Staff Writer | Date: 2 November 2025
