British authorities have arrested two individuals following a mass stabbing on a train traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday evening, which left ten people injured — nine of them in life-threatening condition.
Major Incident Declared
The attack occurred shortly after 7:30 p.m. as the train approached Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, prompting a major police response. Armed officers from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train after it made an unscheduled stop, detaining two suspects at the scene.
According to the British Transport Police (BTP), the incident has been declared a major investigation, with Counter Terrorism Policing units assisting local authorities. However, officials have not yet classified the attack as terrorism-related.
BTP Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said the force was conducting “urgent inquiries” to determine the motive and full circumstances of the attack. “Ten people have been taken to hospital, nine with life-threatening injuries and one with non-life-threatening injuries,” the BTP said in a statement.
Government and Political Reactions
Defence Secretary John Healey said on Sunday that early indications suggested the attack was “isolated”, and that the UK’s terrorism threat level remained at “substantial”, meaning an attack is considered likely but not imminent.
“The details are still emerging,” Healey told Sky News, confirming that counterterrorism units were supporting the investigation. “It’s a matter for local police to establish the facts. As soon as they have the information, they will let us know.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as “appalling and deeply concerning”, expressing solidarity with those affected.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations were ongoing, stressing the importance of allowing the police to conduct their work without interference.
Rapid Police Response
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who represents Huntingdon, said the stabbing took place shortly after the train departed Peterborough, and that officers arrived “within minutes” of the first emergency call under Operation Plato, the police protocol for potential terrorist incidents.
“The first responders were Cambridgeshire Constabulary officers, later supported by armed police,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
Footage posted online showed heavily armed officers rushing toward the stationary train at Huntingdon station as passengers were evacuated.
Context: A Week of Violence in the UK
The stabbing comes amid heightened national concern following a string of violent attacks across the UK. On Monday, a 49-year-old man was killed and two others — including a 14-year-old boy — injured in a knife attack in Uxbridge, northwest London. Police arrested Safi Dawood, a refugee from Afghanistan, in connection with that incident.
Less than a month earlier, Jihad al-Shamie, a Syrian-born British citizen, carried out a deadly car and knife attack at a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur, killing two worshippers before being shot dead by police.
Healey acknowledged the tense national climate, saying: “This reflects a period of growing pressure and uncertainty in our country — a new era of threat, if you like.”
Rail Disruption and Public Impact
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) suspended travel between Doncaster and London early Sunday, issuing a “do not travel” notice as police continued their investigation. Services were disrupted throughout the day, with delays and cancellations expected until late evening.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by this serious incident,” said David Horne, LNER’s managing director. “The safety and wellbeing of everyone affected remains our top priority.”
Calls for Transparency
Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, called for the immediate release of suspect details, renewing his push for mandatory disclosure of offenders’ ethnicity and background — a debate reignited following recent violent crimes.
Healey responded that police have begun providing more information about suspects in major incidents and that he expects transparency “when appropriate.”
As of Sunday evening, authorities continued to question the two arrested suspects while victims remained in hospital under critical care. The British Transport Police said updates would be provided as more details become available.
