The British government has addressed the public after a terrifying mass stabbing on a train that resulted in 11 injuries, with two people in critical condition.
Defense Secretary John Healey described the attack near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, as “isolated” and assured that there was “no reason why the rest of the population cannot get on with their lives,” during a Sky News interview Sunday morning.
Even though the violent scene left a train stained with blood and chaotic passengers, armed with Jack Daniel’s bottles, police stated there was “nothing to suggest” that this was an act of terrorism.
Two men, aged 32 and 35, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to King’s Cross station in London, shortly after 7:30 PM. Police Superintendent John Lovelace highlighted this in a statement Sunday morning.
Details about the suspects’ boarding points remain vague, and no additional information about their backgrounds or intentions has been shared by the authorities.
Emergency services transported ten individuals to hospitals, with one more seeking treatment later. Initially, nine were believed to have life-threatening injuries, but four were discharged after medical examination, leaving two still in critical condition, according to Lovelace.
“While we declared a major incident yesterday and had counter-terrorism police assisting with our investigation, there’s currently no evidence to suggest this is related to terrorism,” he further stated.
The mayor of Huntingdon, a small market town about 90 miles north of London, expressed shock over the violent incident. “I never thought something like this could happen around Huntingdon,” a visibly upset Mayor Audrey McAdam told Sky News.
She indicated that the attack occurred just 12 minutes after the train departed from Peterborough station and reached Huntingdon.
“It’s about living in the moment… It feels like a horror movie,” she remarked.
On Sunday morning, police continued to restrict access to Huntingdon Station, while the train involved in the stabbing was still on display at the platform.
To reassure residents, authorities plan to increase police presence on trains. Reports emerged of individual bravery during the chaotic scene, with witnesses recounting how an older man intervened to protect a young girl from an attacker, while others attempted to fight back using a Jack Daniel’s bottle.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his deep concern over the “horrific” incident. “My thoughts are with everyone affected, and I want to extend my gratitude to the emergency services who responded,” he remarked.
King Charles also released a statement, stating, “I am truly appalled and shocked to hear of the horrific knife attack.” He extended sympathies to the victims and their loved ones on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla.
