A devastating mass stabbing attack occurred on a London-bound train traveling from Doncaster, resulting in 10 people being hospitalized, with nine suffering life-threatening injuries. The incident, which prompted a major emergency response and the temporary activation of a counter-terror alert code, occurred as the train neared Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on Saturday evening. British Transport Police (BTP) have arrested two suspects and are working with Counter Terrorism Policing to establish the motive.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
The violent attack unfolded aboard a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train, triggering a massive, multi-agency emergency response.
Time and Location: The incident was reported around 7:42 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, aboard the 6:25 p.m. service from Doncaster to London King's Cross. The stabbings occurred as the train traveled south toward Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Victim Count: Authorities confirmed 10 people were transported to the hospital, with the majority—nine individuals, suffering wounds categorized as life-threatening.
Containment: The attack was contained swiftly after the train was stopped at Huntingdon station, where armed police from Cambridgeshire and BTP officers immediately attended the scene.
Suspects Arrested and Investigation Launched
Police rapidly secured the scene and arrested two individuals in connection with the stabbings. Two suspects were arrested by armed police at Huntingdon station and taken into custody. Witnesses reported seeing a man with a large blade and passengers fleeing in terror through the carriages, with blood visible. One suspect was reportedly incapacitated with a Taser and restrained by armed officers on the platform.
The British Transport Police declared the incident a "major incident" and confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing is supporting the investigation. While the national code word ("Plato") for a potential marauding terror attack was briefly initiated, it was later rescinded, and no official motive has been disclosed.
Political and Travel Impact
The shocking nature of the mass stabbing drew immediate concern from top UK officials and caused widespread travel disruption. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the incident as "appalling and deeply concerning," offering his thoughts to those affected and commending the emergency services for their rapid action.
The incident caused major disruption across the East Coast Main Line, with LNER urging passengers not to travel and Huntingdon station remaining closed for the ongoing investigation. Police continue urgent inquiries to establish the full circumstances and motivation behind the brutal attack.