Nine people are in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a man armed with a large knife started stabbing people on a London-bound train in Cambridgeshire.
Armed police rushed to Huntingdon railway station to respond to the incident, which was initially classified as a major terror attack. Two people have been arrested, with witnesses describing a man with a knife being taken down by a police Taser.
Counter-terror police have joined the investigation into the attack, which is understood to have started shortly after the LNER train left Peterborough station. Cambridgeshire Constabulary said the first emergency calls were received at 7.39pm.
Witnesses described passengers hiding in the toilets to escape the rampage, with one person saying there was "blood everywhere" and people were getting "stamped" on as they tried to flee.
Police said late on Saturday that there were not yet any fatalities after the attack, and a tenth victim was also in hospital with non life-threatening injuries.
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply concerning” and thanked the emergency services.
Huntingdon station remains closed and all lines are blocked. The A1307 has also been closed on the approach to the town centre.
Key points
- Armed police officers rush to scene of stabbing attack on London-bound train
- 10 victims in hospital, nine with life-threatening injuries
- Two suspects arrested by police
- Sir Keir Starmer says his 'thoughts are with all those affected'
- More than 30 officers were called to Huntingdon station
- Train company warns customers of severe delays
Police wearing forensic suits, with a police dog were seen at Huntingdon station
07:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Police wearing forensic suits, with a police dog, could be seen on the platform alongside the stopped Doncaster to London train, following a mass stabbing.
Two people have been arrested after witnesses described seeing a man with a large knife and several people injured.
Armed police attended Huntingdon station after Cambridgeshire Constabulary were called at 7.39pm on Saturday – with more than 30 officers despatched to the scene.
Police said a number of people were taken to hospital following the attack.
British Transport Police said the train involved was the 18:25 service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.
Analysis: Extraordinary response from train crew and police
06:53
,
Simon Calder
The train involved in last night’s incident was the 6.25pm LNER departure from Doncaster in South Yorkshire to London King's Cross. It left on time and called at Retford, Newark, Grantham and Peterborough.
The service departed from Peterborough on time at 7.30pm. One more call was expected 28 minutes later at Stevenage with arrival in the capital at 8.23pm.
The train was planned to travel through Huntingdon at 125mph on a fast track that does not have access to a platform.
While the attack was happening, the LNER train driver and the rest of the crew, working with the signallers, were able to divert the train to the slow line and bring it to a halt at the first available station within 14 minutes of departure from Peterborough, with armed police waiting.
This was an extraordinarily swift and professional response. Had the train either stopped short of the station, with access and escape difficult or continued to Stevenage, the outcome would have been far worse.
LNER urges customers 'not to travel' on Sunday
06:20
,
Adam Withnall
In an update for travellers, LNER says a "Do Not Travel notice" was issued due to the "serious incident" on the 18.25 service from Doncaster to London King's Cross.
"We are asking customers not to travel on Sunday 2 November," the train line says its latest status update.
LNER said those who were unable to travel this weekend can use their existing tickets for trains on Monday or Tuesday without needing to amend or change them.
"Our teams are working hard to resume service following this incident and trains operating on Sunday 2 November may be subject to short-notice cancellation," it said.
Pictured: Emergency services at the scene of the stabbing incident
06:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
LNER director 'deeply shocked' by train attack
05:31
,
Adam Withnall
David Horne, managing director of train operator London North Eastern Railway, said the company is "deeply shocked and saddened by this serious incident".
He said in a statement: "Our thoughts are very much with everyone involved.
"I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they have provided to those injured. Anyone with information who hasn't already spoken to police is urged to contact British Transport Police.
"The safety and wellbeing of everyone affected will remain our priority. We will continue to do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues during this difficult time."
Police stopped attacker with Taser, says witness
05:00
,
Adam Withnall
One witness said they thought they saw a man armed with a large knife being Tasered by police and then detained.
The witness, who gave his name as Gavin, told Sky News: "Essentially, as they got closer to him, started shouting, like, get down get down.
"He then was waving a knife, quite a large knife, and then they detained him.
"I think it was a Taser that got him down in the end."
British Transport Police (BTP) said two people have been arrested over the stabbings which happened on the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King's Cross.
10 victims taken to hospital, nine with 'life-threatening' injuries
04:29
,
Adam Withnall
Police said late last night that there have so far been no fatalities from the attack on the train in Cambridgeshire.
Nine people suffered what police described as “life-threatening injuries” and a tenth person was also taken to hospital for non life-threatening injuries.
One witness told The Times there was "blood everywhere" and people were getting "stamped" on by others as they tried to flee.
Another, speaking to The Sun, described the attack as "like something from a film", adding: "It was a terrible scene, really violent."
Watch: Armed police rush to Huntingdon after multiple people stabbed on train
04:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Two arrested as ‘man with large knife’ seen after mass stabbing on train
03:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Two people have been arrested after witnesses described seeing a man with a large knife following a mass stabbing on a train.
Armed police attended Huntingdon station after Cambridgeshire Constabulary were called at 7.39pm on Saturday – with more than 30 officers despatched to the scene.
Police said a number of people were taken to hospital following the attack.
Where did the stabbing incident happen?
02:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Nine people have suffered life-threatening injuries
01:11
,
Andrew Georgeson
Ten people have been taken to hospital after a mass stabbing on board a train near Hungtington, with nine believed to have suffered “life-threatening injures,” a statement from the British Transport Police said.
There have been no fatalities yet, the force reported.
“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further,” Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said.
“At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.”
He added: “Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time. Cordons are in place and trains are not currently running through the area, and there are also some road closures.
'Major incident' declared
01:07
,
Andrew Georgeson
The stabbing has now been declared a “major incident” and counter terrorism police are supporting the investigation, British Transport Police said.
Pictures from outside Huntingdon station
01:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Eyewitnesses say as many as 12 people may have been wouded
00:30
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Eyewitnesses have said they saw wounded passengers running through the train to get away from a person with a knife.
A man holding a large knife was seen on the platform and armed police gathered and pointed their weapons at him, Sky News reported.
A witness said the man was then tasered.
Witnesses told the broadcaster they saw between six and eight people who were wounded, while another said up to 12 may have been injured.
Emergency services have not yet confirmed how many people were injured.
Eyewitness traveling on the train said he believes a suspect was tasered
00:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
A man who was travelling on the train has said he saw an “extremely bloodied” victim and that he believes a suspect was tasered.
The eyewitness, called Gavin, told Sky News: “I was in coach G, and there was quite a few people coming through coach G, and one of the people that were coming through, I heard them say: ‘They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed’.
“They were making their way through the carriage to get away from the incident, from the suspect. They were extremely bloodied. That person ended up when we pulled in, they were basically on the floor. We couldn’t progress further down the train away from the suspect, because that person ended up collapsing on the floor.”
He said passengers were then escorted off the train onto the platform at Huntingdon.
“The armed police were pointing to the suspect as we come off the train,” he said.
“I asked what that suspect looked like? They said, it’s a black male in all black, so black hoodie. And essentially, as they got closer to him, started shouting, like, get down. Get down. He then was waving a knife, quite a large knife, and then they detained him. I think it was a taser that got him down in the end. But I only saw one person at that point.”
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough says his thoughts are with everyone affected
Saturday 1 November 2025 23:50
,
Rebecca Whittaker
In a statement Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “I am shocked and deeply concerned by this extremely serious incident on a train which was stopped in Huntingdon this evening.
“My first thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.
“I want to thank the emergency services, including the police, ambulance crews and critical care teams, who are responding in what appear to be distressing circumstances.
“Our community will rightly be anxious tonight, and I am seeking further information with relevant authorities as the situation becomes clearer.
“I know people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will join me in keeping all those impacted in our thoughts.”
'I’ve simply never seen as big a response to an emergency incident', said MP for Huntingdon
Saturday 1 November 2025 23:49
,
Rebecca Whittaker
MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty said he had “never seen as big a response” to an emergency incident, as he attended the scene where a train stopped after a mass stabbing on board.
“Our police responded to the incident just before 8pm this evening and they were able to neutralise the threat,” Mr Obese-Jecty told Sky News.
“Two people have been arrested, but there have been multiple stabbings. I’m not aware of the severity of those injuries or the nature or the number of them, but obviously a very serious incident, and my thoughts are with the families of those involved and the victims themselves.”
He added that the incident is “starting to clear”.
Mr Obese-Jecty said: “Emergency services (are) starting to move away from the scene, which means it’s becoming more under control, but the two arrests were made at the scene very, very shortly after the incident took place.
“So, very reassuring to see such a quick and effective response from the emergency services.
“When I first arrived here, I’ve simply never seen as big a response to an emergency incident as there were in terms of police, fire and ambulance.”
Train involved was travelling from Doncaster to King's Cross
Saturday 1 November 2025 23:41
,
Rebecca Whittaker
British Transport Police said the train involved was the 6.25pm service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.
Witnesses say knifeman was 'tasered by police'
Saturday 1 November 2025 23:14
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Witnesses have reported seeing a man holding a large knife and later being tasered by police.
Witnesses told Sky News police were seen pointing weapons at a man with a large knife.
He was then tasered and restrained near the train.
This is what we know so far about the stabbing incident
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:59
,
Rebecca Whittaker
- Multiple people have been stabbed on a train traveling towards Huntingdon, in Cambridgeshire.
- The attack is understood to have started shortly after the LNER train left Peterborough station.
- Armed police were called at 7.39pm
- Two people have been arrested
- A number of people have been taken to hospital
- LNER has said all rail lines are blocked around Huntingdon station and advised people not to travel
- Politicians have reacted to what has been described as "horrifying scenes"
Watch: Armed officers at Huntingdon station after multiple stabbings leave several injured
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:49
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Pictured: Emergency services at the scene of the incident in Huntingdon
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:48
,
Rebecca Whittaker
More than 30 officers were called to Huntingdon station
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:42
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said more than 30 officers were initially called to Huntingdon station.
'They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed,' witness on the train recalls victim saying
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:33
,
Rebecca Whittaker
One witness who was on the train recalled seeing someone move though the carriage warning others: “They’ve got a knife, I’ve been stabbed.”
The witness told Sky News the man was “extremely bloodied” and that by the time the train stopped “they were basically on the floor”.
“That person ended up collapsing on the floor. They were taken to an ambulance pretty much straight away,” he said.
Witness has said they saw 'blood everywhere'
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:31
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Witnesses described seeing a man with a large knife, and passengers hiding in the toilets to escape the rampage, The Times reported.
One witness told the paper there was “blood everywhere” and people were getting “stamped” on by others as they tried to flee.
“I heard some people shouting we love (you),” the witness said.
The attack is understood to have started shortly after the LNER train left Peterborough station.
Video footage on social media showed scores of blue-light police cars and emergency vehicles in a station car park, and a team of armed police running towards the stationary train at Huntingdon station.
Ambulance service confirms it has transported 'multiple patients to hospital'
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:27
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Rebecca Whittaker
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 7.38pm to reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
“We mobilised a large-scale response to Huntingdon Railway Station which included numerous ambulances, tactical commanders, our Hazardous Area Response Team and critical care teams including the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
“We can confirm we have transported multiple patients to hospital. Further updates will be issued by British Transport Police.”
We were called at 7.38pm to reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
— EEAST Ambulance Service (@EastEnglandAmb) November 1, 2025
We mobilised a large-scale response to Huntingdon Railway Station which included numerous ambulances, tactical commanders, our Hazardous Area Response Team... (1/2)
'It didn’t feel real and just sparked pure panic onboard,' eyewitness said
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:25
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Rebecca Whittaker
One eyewitness onboard the train has described the incident as “horrific”.
They told The Sun: “There was blood everywhere, it was a terrible scene, really violent. It was like something from a film.
“It didn’t feel real and just sparked pure panic onboard.
“Shocked onlookers were shaken and traumatised.
“There’s a heavy police presence on the scene at the moment.
“All the passengers are stuck at Huntingdon.”
Conservative leader said she was 'deeply disturbed' by the 'absolutely horrific attack'
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:22
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said in a post on X: “Deeply disturbed by the reports emerging from Huntingdon.
“This is an absolutely horrific attack and my thoughts are with all those affected including the emergency responders at the scene.”
Cambridge police remain at the scene
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:17
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Cambridge Police have said they were called at 7.39pm with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
The train was stopped at Huntingdon where armed officers arrested two men.
A number of people were taken to hospital.
Police remain on the scene and have closed the A1307 near the town centre.
We were called at 7.39pm with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
— Cambs Police (@CambsCops) November 1, 2025
Armed officers attended and the train was stopped at Huntingdon, where two men were arrested. A number of people have been taken to hospital. (1/2)
Home secretary said she was 'deeply saddened' by the incident
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:12
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The Home secretary said she was “deeply saddened” by the incident in Huntingdon and urged the public to “avoid comment and speculation at this early stage”.
In a statement on X, Shabana Mahmood said: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the stabbings in Huntingdon.
“My thoughts go out to all those affected.
“Two suspects have been immediately arrested and taken into custody.
“I am receiving regular updates on the investigation.
“I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.”
Sir Keir Starmer said his 'thoughts are with all those affected'
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:09
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has called the incident “deeply concerning” and thanked emergency services in a post on X.
The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 1, 2025
My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.
Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.
MP for Thirsk and Malton in Yorkshire commented on the 'horrifying scenes in Huntington'
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:07
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Rebecca Whittaker
Kevin Hollinrake, the Conservative MP for Thirsk and Malton in Yorkshire, said: “Horrifying scenes in Huntington.
“My thoughts are with the victims and the emergency services responding to this incident.”
Horrifying scenes in Huntington.
— Kevin Hollinrake MP (@kevinhollinrake) November 1, 2025
My thoughts are with the victims and the emergency services responding to this incident.
Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough shares his 'thoughts and prayers'
Saturday 1 November 2025 22:04
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said in a post on X: “Hearing reports of horrendous scenes on a train in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
“Cambridgeshire Police are at the scene and two people have been arrested.
Hearing reports of horrendous scenes on a train in #Huntingdon #Cambridgeshire
— Paul Bristow (@paulbristow79) November 1, 2025
Cambridgeshire Police are at the scene and two people have been arrested.
Thoughts and prayers with everyone affected.
RMT trade union is 'deeply concerned' following reports of the attack
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:56
,
Rebecca Whittaker
In a post on X, Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT trade union, said: “I am deeply concerned to hear reports of multiple people stabbed onboard an LNER train tonight.
“The thoughts of everyone at RMT are with the victims, train crew and all the emergency services dealing with this unfolding incident.”
LNER is helping customers and crew on board the train
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:55
,
Rebecca Whittaker
London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which operates East Coast Mainline services in the UK, said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our trains.
“Our immediate concern is for the welfare of our customers and crew who are on board.
“We are in the process of gathering all the details we can and are liaising with British Transport Police.”
Shadow home secretary said government should provide an update on what happened
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:54
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp wrote on X: “Horrific scenes in Huntingdon, in what seems to be a brutal mass attack by two perpetrators.
“My thoughts are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding.
“The police and government should provide an update on what happened and who has been arrested as soon as possible.”
'My thoughts are with the victims and those involved,' Huntingdon MP says
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:52
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty said in a post on X: “I am aware of the incident and am trying to establish further information.
“My thoughts are with the victims and those involved.”
I am aware of the incident and am trying to establish further information.
— Ben Obese-Jecty MP (@BenObeseJecty) November 1, 2025
My thoughts are with the victims and those involved. https://t.co/f1vvM6ZIoq
Watch: Armed officers at Huntingdon station after multiple stabbings leave several injured
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:47
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Train company warns customers of severe delays
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:44
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The LNER website confirmed emergency services are dealing with an incident between Stevenage and Peterborough.
Trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to an hour or revised, and all lines are currently closed while the incident is being dealt with.
“We are experiencing major disruption across the LNER route. Emergency services are dealing with an incident at Huntingdon station; all lines are blocked,” LNER website says.
⚠️#LNERUpdate We are experiencing major disruption across the LNER route. Emergency services are dealing with an incident at Huntingdon station; all lines are blocked.
— London North Eastern Railway (@LNER) November 1, 2025
Our advice is 'Do Not Travel'. Please defer your travel where you can.https://t.co/o0hAZZ3XYh
Armed police officers attended scene
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:43
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said in a statement on social media: "We were called at 7.39pm with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
"Armed officers attended and the train was stopped at Huntingdon, where two men were arrested. A number of people have been taken to hospital.
"The incident remains ongoing and the A1307 has been closed as you approach the town centre."
Two arrested in Huntingdon
Saturday 1 November 2025 21:32
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The British Transport Police wrote on social media platform X: “We are currently responding to an incident on a train to Huntingdon where multiple people have been stabbed.
“Officers are in attendance alongside [Cambridgeshire Constabulary] and two people have been arrested.”
Witness thought attack was Halloween prank
05:45
,
Adam Withnall
Olly Foster told the BBC he initially heard people shouting "run, run, there's a guy literally stabbing everyone", and believed it might have been a prank related to Halloween.
Mr Foster said that people quickly started pushing through the carriage, and he noticed his hand was "covered in blood" as there was "blood all over the chair" he had leaned on.
An older man "blocked" the attacker from stabbing a younger girl, leaving him with injuries to his head and neck, Mr Foster said, adding other passengers used their clothing to try and stem the bleeding.
He said the incident "felt like forever".
Witness initially thought attack might be Halloween prank
04:50
,
Adam Withnall
Olly Foster told the BBC he initially heard people shouting "run, run, there's a guy literally stabbing everyone", and believed it might have been a prank related to Halloween.
Mr Foster said that people quickly started pushing through the carriage, and he noticed his hand was "covered in blood" as there was "blood all over the chair" he had leaned on.
An older man "blocked" the attacker from stabbing a younger girl, leaving him with injuries to his head and neck, Mr Foster said, adding other passengers used their clothing to try and stem the bleeding.
He said the incident "felt like forever".
