🔗 Share this article

A brave railway staff member who intervened to protect travelers during a multiple knife attack on a high-speed train has suffered critical injuries, police stated on Sunday.

Details of the Terrifying Incident

CCTV footage reportedly shows the staff member attempting to stop the attacker as the train traveled between a city and Huntingdon in the county. Witnesses recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with injured passengers fleeing through compartments.

The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in detention for interrogation. Police announced a significant event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.

Crisis Response and Consequences

The incident on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five individuals have now been released from hospital.

A bystander filmed the individual brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a stun device as he confronted police on the station. He was allegedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."

“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the brave member of train personnel whose family are being supported by specialist officers,” stated a high-ranking police official.

Labor Response and Appeals for Measures

Train unions were swift to praise employees and demand increased action. A labor official said he would be “seeking immediate discussions with authorities, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the best available support, tools and effective protocols in operation”.

Another association representative urged the train operator and government “to act quickly to review security, to support the impacted workers, and to make sure that no incident like this happens again”.

Operator Commended for Rapid Thinking

The operator who halted the train at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been praised by union representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.

“The driver did not stop the train in the middle of two stops where it’s obviously challenging for the first responders to access, but he carried on going until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was almost already there,” stated a union official.

Further Details

Police stated they received the initial emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

One observer recounted initially thinking if the event was a holiday prank, but soon realized from individuals' faces that it was real.

Authorities have stated there is nothing to indicate the incident was a terrorist incident and have requested the community to provide with any further information.

Rail operations on the impacted route are anticipated to experience delays until Monday, with passengers recommended to postpone their travel where feasible.

Individuals with information that could assist the investigation are asked to reach police by sending a message a designated number with a case code.