Huntingdon train stabbing: Terror police investigate as 9 fight for their lives after UK attack
British Transport Police said on X that its officers responded to the incident on a train to Huntingdon "where multiple people have been stabbed." It later emerged that 10 people are being treated, with nine in a life-threatening condition.
UK law enforcement officials provided an update late Saturday night on the mass stabbing incident that injured multiple people on a train near Cambridge Saturday evening.
British Transport Police said in a statement early Sunday morning that 10 people were injured during the incident, nine of which officials said were life threatening injuries. All victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment, according to the statement. Count-terrorism police are understood to be investigating the incident, though whether it is terror-related has yet to be confirmed. Officers are working with local police to establish a motive.
Police said two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
READ MORE: Donald Trump issued brutal blow as all the president's lies listed by CNN reporterREAD MORE: Barron Trump's staggering height shattered his dream career, says brother Eric“This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families," Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said. “We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and 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 on the causes of the incident."
BTP said on X that its officers responded to the incident on a train to Huntingdon “where multiple people have been stabbed,” while the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that it had mobilized a large-scale response and that “multiple patients” were hospitalized.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the local police force, said armed police attended after officers were called to the scene at Huntingdon station at 7:39 p.m. on Saturday. It added that the two people were arrested at the station, which is around 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of London.
'Horrendous scenes'
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on X that his “thoughts are with all those affected” after the “appalling incident.”
Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said he had heard of “horrendous scenes” on the train.
Huntingdon station is temporarily closed as police and other emergency services respond to the situation. No trains are stopping at the station.
Policing Huntingdonshire, the official Facebook page for the local force, released a statement saying: "We were called at 7:39 p.m. with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train.
"Armed officers attended, and the train was stopped at Huntingdon, where two men were arrested. A number of people have been taken to hospital.
"The incident remains ongoing, and the A1307 has been closed as you approach the town center.
"Officers are working with British Transport Police, who are leading on the incident."
Authorities are asking anyone with information to report it online at Cambs Police by quoting incident 495 of today (November 1).
For those with information in the UK, if you can't access the internet, it's advised to call 101 and share any relevant information.
Multiple people" have been taken to hospital, the East of England Ambulance Service confirmed.
A spokesperson said numerous ambulances, tactical commanders and its Hazardous Area Response Team were on the scene in a "large-scale response."
Air ambulances from the East Anglian Air Ambulance and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance also responded.
Thameslink posted an update on X, telling passengers heading to or from Huntingdon to find another way to travel. The statement reads: "At this time, Huntingdon station is closed and no trains will call here in either direction until further notice. If you are traveling FROM Huntingdon, you will need to use an alternative route of travel or travel later on today where possible.
"If you are traveling to Huntingdon from Peterborough, please speak to station staff and alternative travel will be arranged. From the direction of Hitchin, please instead travel to St Neots/Peterborough and speak to staff for alternative transport. You should allow 30 minutes additional to complete your destination."
'Deeply concerning'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer posted a statement on X that read: "The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning.
"My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.
"Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police."
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp MP posted: "Horrific scenes in Huntingdon, in what seems to be a brutal mass attack by two perpetrators.
"My thoughts are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding.
"The police and government should provide an update on what happened and who has been arrested as soon as possible."
Eddie Dempsey, the general secretary of the RMT trade union, also expressed his deep concern about the incident, stating: "The thoughts of everyone at RMT are with the victims, train crew and all the emergency services dealing with this unfolding incident."
Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, also issued a statement, saying: "Thoughts and prayers with everyone affected."