Major update on Huntingdon train stabbing victims fighting for their lives
Police yesterday said nine people suffered life-threatening injuries following a knife attack on a train in Cambridgeshire - cops have now shared a major update on their condition
Police have shared a major update on the conditions of several people following a mass stabbing on a train in Huntingdon.
Armed police rushed to the Cambridgeshire station at around 7.40pm on Saturday. Two British men, aged 32 and 35, were arrested following the attack on the London-bound train. Cops initially reported that nine people were rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Today it emerged two people remain in a "life-threatening condition". Supt John Loveless, of the British Transport Police, said 11 people were treated in hospital in total after the knife attack.
Supt Loveless said 10 people were taken to hospital by emergency services and one person went in themself. The officer added that multiple victims have since been discharged.
In a press conference on Sunday morning, he said: "Ten people were taken to hospital by ambulance and another person self-presented later that evening.
"While nine were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries following assessment and treatment, four, I'm thankful to say, have been discharged. However, two patients remain in a life-threatening condition."
Supt Loveless added that police arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder, and they remain in custody. They are a 32-year-old black British national and a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent.
He added: "Officers immediately attended Huntington station alongside paramedics, where armed police officers from Cambridgeshire police boarded the train and arrested two people within eight minutes of the 999 call being made. Two men were brought into police custody, where they remain this morning."
The two suspects are being held in separate police stations for questioning. Police said the attack is not being treated as a terrorist incident.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood paid tribute to the bravery of staff and passengers on the train and also confirmed the attack was not being treated as terrorism. She wrote on social media: "After last night’s horrific attack, my thoughts today are with the victims, their friends and family. My deepest thanks go to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service.
"They responded rapidly, with the utmost professionalism and saved lives. I would also like to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train. We now know this attack is not being treated as terrorism, and that two British-born, British nationals have been arrested."
King Charles, in a message released by Buckingham Palace, said: "My wife and I were truly appalled and shocked to hear of the dreadful knife attack that took place on board a train in Cambridgeshire last night.
"Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all those affected, and their loved ones. We are particularly grateful to the emergency services for their response to this awful incident."