Multiple stabbing on a train bound for London from northern England

LondonAn undetermined number of people were injured Saturday night in a knife attack aboard a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train that had departed Doncaster, in northern England, at 6:25 p.m. local time, bound for King's Cross in central London. After passengers activated the alarm upon realizing what was happening, the train stopped at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, about 90 kilometers (59 miles) from the British capital. Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident, one of whom was shot dead with a Taser at the station where the train stopped following the emergency, according to police sources. Doncaster, the city of origin for the journey, is located in South Yorkshire, not far from Sheffield and Leeds, about 270 kilometers (160 miles) from London.

The incident caused scenes of panic among passengers. Witnesses quoted by several British media outlets explained that a man armed with a large knife attacked several passengers—some sources indicate as many as twelve—who tried to take refuge in the train's restrooms. "There was blood everywhere," a witness told the BBC, adding that there were moments of "absolute chaos." According to another person who was in one of the carriages, an injured man, "extremely bloody," was calling for help while alerting others that he had been stabbed. The incident occurred shortly after 7:39 p.m. local time, but was not reported until two hours later.

Following the emergency shutdown in Huntingdon, more than 30 officers, including armed units, took control of the station. Cambridgeshire Police reported that several people were taken to the hospital and that the operation remains active. Two medical helicopters have also been deployed. However, the exact number of injured and their condition are currently unknown. A large police presence remains around the station, where passengers have been held while the operation is underway. The LNER railway company warned of "serious disruptions" on the line and advised travelers not to travel until further notice, as all tracks are blocked. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident "deeply worrying" and sent a message of support to the injured. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also expressed her "shock" at what she described as an "absolutely horrific" attack. Other local political representatives have conveyed messages of solidarity with the victims and emergency services. Authorities have also closed the A1307 road towards Huntingdon town centre and confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. No details have yet been released regarding the exact number of injured or their condition. [We are working to expand this information]