Nine out of 10 injured in Huntingdon train stabbing reported critical

HUNTINGDON: British authorities say 10 people are in hospital, nine with life-threatening injuries, after a mass stabbing on a London-bound train Saturday evening. Two suspects have been arrested as counter-terrorism officers join the investigation.

The attack occurred on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. The incident unfolded as the train neared Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, about 75 miles north of the capital.

International media reported that emergency services, including armed police and air ambulances, were dispatched to the scene around 7:40 PM. Officers quickly secured the area, and forensic teams, along with police dogs, were later seen examining the platform.

British Transport Police (BTP), which oversees safety on the rail network, confirmed in a statement that 10 people had been taken to hospital and that nine of them were in critical condition. “This has been declared a major incident, and Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting our investigation as we work to determine the circumstances and motivation behind this attack,” the statement read.

Authorities briefly activated “Plato,” the national emergency protocol used in suspected terror incidents, though it was later stood down. Police have not yet released details about the suspects or a possible motive.

Chief Superintendent Chris Casey of the BTP urged the public to avoid speculation. “We are conducting urgent inquiries to understand what has happened, but it may take some time before we can confirm further details,” he said.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the stabbing as an “appalling incident” and said his thoughts were with the victims and their families. Paul Bristow, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said he had heard reports of “horrendous scenes” aboard the train.

LNER confirmed the incident involved one of its services and warned travelers of major disruption across the East Coast Mainline. Police continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with footage from the train or Huntingdon station to come forward.