Major UK Train Attack: Multiple Passengers Stabbed at Huntingdon Station

Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – November 3, 2025 – A terrifying knife rampage on a busy commuter train has left at least 11 people injured, with two victims fighting for their lives in hospital. The incident, which unfolded on an LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, has shocked communities across Cambridgeshire and beyond, prompting calls for enhanced security on UK rail networks.

The attack occurred shortly after the 6:25 PM train departed Peterborough station on Saturday evening, turning what should have been a routine journey into a scene of unimaginable horror. Eyewitnesses described passengers screaming and fleeing through carriages as a man armed with a large knife began indiscriminately stabbing those around him. The train, carrying hundreds of commuters including football fans returning from a match, made an emergency stop at Huntingdon station just 17 miles down the line, where armed police swiftly intervened.

British Transport Police (BTP) were alerted at 7:42 PM following frantic 999 calls from terrified passengers. Within eight minutes, officers boarded the stationary LNER train and arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder. One suspect, a 32-year-old British national described by witnesses as wearing a black hoodie, was Tasered after emerging onto the platform still clutching the weapon. The second man, aged 35, has since been released without charge after CCTV footage confirmed he was not involved in the stabbings. Police have ruled out terrorism as a motive, with counter-terrorism units now standing down from the investigation.

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Chaos on the Rails: Passenger Accounts of the Train Stabbing

Survivors recounted moments of pure panic as the assailant moved aggressively through Coach G, targeting random victims in what one witness called a “stabbing rampage.” Nottingham Forest supporter Amira Ostalski, a university student traveling with a friend, was just five rows from the initial assault. “We were listening to music, having a good time, when suddenly people started screaming, ‘He’s got a knife!’ I thought I was going to die,” she told reporters. Ostalski described seeing the attacker leap from his seat and lunge at passengers nearby, forcing her to duck and run toward the front of the train.

Another passenger, Olly Foster, initially dismissed the shouts of “Run, there’s a guy stabbing everyone!” as a Halloween prank. But the reality hit hard when he noticed blood on his hand from a nearby seat. Foster witnessed an elderly man heroically step in to shield a young girl from the blade, sustaining severe gashes to his head and neck. “He blocked the attacker and took the hit for her. Passengers used their jackets to stop the bleeding—it felt like forever,” Foster said. Other accounts detail victims hiding in train toilets, pulling emergency alarms repeatedly, and even a stabbed passenger bolting through carriages to warn others.

The train driver, Andrew Johnson from Peterborough, played a crucial role by diverting the service to Huntingdon despite the chaos. “As soon as the alarm was raised, he made the emergency stop,” praised one eyewitness. Uninjured passengers were later bused to London, while forensics teams combed the bloodied carriages and platform into the early hours of Sunday.

A Heroic Intervention: LNER Staff Member in Critical Condition

Among the injured is a brave LNER rail staff member who confronted the attacker head-on, actions police described as “nothing short of heroic.” Detectives reviewing onboard CCTV footage believe the employee’s quick intervention prevented even greater loss of life. The staffer remains in a life-threatening condition, with five other victims now discharged from hospital after treatment for non-life-threatening wounds. The remaining casualties include stab wounds to the arm, chest, back, and head, with one man seen clutching a blood-soaked sheet to his injuries as he fled the train.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident “deeply concerning,” expressing solidarity with victims and their families via a post on X (formerly Twitter). Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood echoed the sentiment, stating she was “deeply saddened” and receiving regular updates, while urging the public to avoid speculation. Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty arrived at the scene to find “about 10 ambulances, several fire engines, and well over 20 police cars,” highlighting the scale of the emergency response that included three air ambulances.

Rail Network Reels: Disruptions and Security Boost

The attack has triggered widespread disruptions on the East Coast Main Line. Huntingdon station remained closed throughout Sunday, with all lines blocked for forensic examinations. LNER warned of cancellations and delays into Monday, advising passengers to check journeys in advance. National Rail confirmed services would resume normally today, but with heightened vigilance.

In response, government sources announced a “surge” in police presence at major transport hubs including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Huntingdon itself, extending through at least Tuesday. This includes visible patrols on east coast trains, a shift from station-focused deployments. The Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers Union (RMT) praised the rapid response but demanded urgent meetings with officials to bolster resources and procedures for protecting staff and travelers.

Cambridgeshire Mayor Paul Bristow described himself as “shocked and deeply concerned,” while local councillor Audrey McAdam called it a “horror film” for those aboard. Nottingham Forest FC, whose fans were among the passengers, commended the “extraordinary bravery” shown, noting it “undoubtedly helped prevent even greater harm.”

Broader Context: Rising Fears Over UK Stabbings and Train Safety

This Huntingdon train stabbing comes amid a troubling uptick in knife attacks across the UK, from London stabbings to incidents in Manchester and Cambridge. While not classified as terror-related, the random nature of the assault has reignited debates on public safety in transit spaces. Recent events, including a synagogue stabbing in Manchester, have prompted initiatives like the “Ask for Angela” code word for discreet help in vulnerable situations, now being considered for rail services.

BTP Superintendent John Loveless emphasized the swift arrests but stressed ongoing inquiries into the suspect’s motive. The 32-year-old remains in custody as detectives piece together the timeline. For now, the focus is on supporting the wounded and restoring confidence in Britain’s rail system.

As investigations continue, communities in Huntingdon, Peterborough, Doncaster, and Cambridge unite in grief and resilience. Witnesses and families have called for better mental health support and stricter knife controls to prevent future tragedies. LNER has pledged counseling for affected passengers, underscoring a commitment to healing in the wake of this devastating train attack.

This article incorporates details from official police statements and eyewitness reports. For live updates on UK news today, including breaking developments in the Huntingdon train stabbing investigation, follow trusted sources like BBC, Sky News, and GB News.