Cambridge: A routine evening train journey turned into a scene of chaos and terror on Saturday after multiple passengers were stabbed aboard a London-bound service near Cambridge. Police confirmed that nine people sustained life-threatening injuries, and two suspects have been taken into custody.
The violent incident occurred on the 6:25 p.m. train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, forcing the service to halt abruptly at Huntingdon station, where armed police stormed the carriages. Videos shared on social media showed officers boarding the train with weapons drawn as frightened passengers were ushered to safety.
British Transport Police (BTP) said they are working alongside counterterrorism officers to determine the motive behind the attack. “We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened,” said Chief Superintendent Chris Casey. “At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.”
Authorities received reports of multiple stabbings at 7:39 p.m. local time. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed that two men were detained at the scene following a rapid response from armed units. Witnesses described moments of panic as one of the suspects brandished a large knife before being subdued with a taser.
Emergency services launched a major response operation. The East of England Ambulance Service deployed multiple ambulances, critical care teams, and three air ambulances to transport the injured to nearby hospitals. “Our crews worked tirelessly to provide immediate care to those with serious injuries,” an ambulance service spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “an appalling incident,” expressing his concern on social media. “My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their swift response,” he posted on X.
As investigators piece together what happened, police have urged passengers who were on the train or at Huntingdon station to come forward with any photos, videos, or eyewitness accounts that may help the inquiry.
Train services on the East Coast Main Line were temporarily disrupted on Saturday night but gradually resumed after the scene was secured.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but officials say all lines of investigation — including possible extremist links — are being explored.
