British police have arrested two men following a mass stabbing on a train traveling through eastern England on Saturday, November 1, 2025. Authorities confirmed that ten passengers were injured, with two victims in critical condition, but emphasized that the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
What Happened
The attack unfolded aboard a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, one of the UK’s busiest train routes. At approximately 7:40 p.m., panic erupted when a man reportedly brandished a large knife and began attacking passengers as the train approached Huntingdon, a rural town in Cambridgeshire.
Witnesses described scenes of terror as passengers fled between carriages or locked themselves in restrooms for safety. “There was blood everywhere,” one passenger told The Times, adding that people were “stamping on others” in a desperate attempt to escape.
The train was brought to a halt at Huntingdon Station, where armed police and a fleet of ambulances responded. Officers used a Taser to subdue one suspect on the platform before arresting two men believed to be connected to the assault.
Who Was Arrested
According to British Transport Police (BTP) Superintendent John Loveless, the suspects are a 32-year-old Black British national and a 35-year-old man of Caribbean descent. Both men remain in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
Loveless stated, “At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident.”
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, which remains unclear. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and conducting forensic examinations of the crime scene.
Casualties and Emergency Response
Ten victims were taken to local hospitals, including two with life-threatening injuries. The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that a “large-scale response” was deployed, involving air ambulances, paramedics, and tactical commanders.
Witnesses reported seeing injured passengers being carried off the train wrapped in space blankets, while others were treated on-site by emergency crews.
The station and nearby A1307 road were closed for several hours as investigators combed through evidence.
Reactions from Officials
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply concerning” and extended his gratitude to emergency responders:
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed the arrests and urged the public to “avoid speculation at this early stage,” while Cambridgeshire Mayor Paul Bristow described the attack as “horrendous” and offered his prayers to the victims.
Broader Context: Knife Crime in the UK
The tragedy comes amid growing concern over knife violence across England and Wales, which has been rising steadily since 2011. According to the UK Home Office, nearly 60,000 knives have been seized or surrendered in the past year as part of a national effort to curb violence.
Despite these measures, knife crime continues to plague major cities and commuter towns alike. Prime Minister Starmer has previously branded the issue a “national crisis”, pledging to halve knife-related offenses within a decade.
Recent months have seen several high-profile incidents, including an October stabbing at a Manchester synagogue and a broad-daylight knife attack in London that left one person dead and two injured.
What Happens Next
The two suspects arrested in connection with the Huntingdon train stabbings remain under police custody as investigators piece together the events that led to the attack. Authorities have appealed to anyone who was on the Doncaster-to-London King’s Cross train or near Huntingdon Station around 7:30–8:00 p.m. to contact British Transport Police or Crime Stoppers.
Train operator LNER confirmed that all lines between Peterborough and London King’s Cross were temporarily suspended, warning of major disruptions through the weekend.
As victims recover and police continue their inquiries, the country mourns yet another violent incident that underscores the urgent need for stronger prevention and public safety measures.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
