Nine Injured in Mass Stabbing on UK Train: Two Arrested, Counterterror Police Join Probe

November 2, 2025

London: At least nine people are being treated for life-threatening injuries after a series of stabbings on a train near Cambridge in eastern England on Saturday evening. Police have arrested two suspected attackers, and counterterrorism officers are assisting in the investigation, according to local media reports.

‘Appalling Incident,’ Says PM Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack, calling it an “appalling incident.”

“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,” Starmer said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

He urged people in the area to follow police instructions, describing the event as “deeply concerning.”

Details of the Attack

According to British Transport Police (BTP), the attack took place on an LNER train traveling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross around 6:25 p.m. (local time), shortly after the train departed Peterborough station.

Police said that armed officers responded swiftly after receiving reports of multiple stabbings at Huntingdon station around 7:39 p.m.

“Armed officers attended and the train was stopped at Huntingdon, where two men were arrested,” a Cambridgeshire Constabulary spokesperson said.

BTP Chief Superintendent Chris Casey confirmed that urgent inquiries are underway to determine the cause and motive.

“It could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further. At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate,” he added.

Emergency Services Launch Large-Scale Response

The East of England Ambulance Service deployed a major emergency response, including multiple ambulances, tactical commanders, and its hazardous area response team.

“We can confirm we have transported multiple patients to hospital,” the service said, noting that nine people sustained critical injuries.

Hospitals in the region are reportedly on high alert as victims receive treatment for stab wounds and trauma-related injuries.

Counterterrorism Police Supporting Investigation

While counterterrorism officers are assisting with the investigation, police have not yet confirmed whether the incident was terror-related. Authorities are working to establish the attackers’ identities and possible motives.

“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened,” the BTP said.

Government Leaders React

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed grief and assured that the government is monitoring the situation closely.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the stabbings in Huntingdon. Two suspects have been immediately arrested and taken into custody,” she said, adding that she is receiving regular updates on the probe.

Major Disruption on Rail Network

The incident has caused severe travel disruption across the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) route.

LNER confirmed that the attack occurred on one of its trains and urged passengers not to travel due to ongoing police activity.

“We are experiencing major disruption across the LNER route. Emergency services are dealing with an incident at Huntingdon station; all lines are blocked. Our advice is: ‘Do Not Travel’,” the company said.

National Rail announced that Huntingdon station is closed and that services are expected to remain disrupted until Monday.