Selfless hero, terror code and multiple injuries - everything we know about train attack - Birmingham Live

A terrifying knife attack took place onboard a high-speed train heading to London last night, leaving ten people hospitalized, nine of them with life-threatening injuries. The incident happened on Saturday, 1 November, aboard the 18:25 service traveling from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, to London King's Cross. At 7:39 pm, police received reports of multiple stabbings on the train, which led to a rapid response involving armed officers, paramedics, air ambulances, and transport police converging at Huntingdon station where the train made an emergency stop. Although the train stopped at Huntingdon, eyewitnesses say the attack began shortly after leaving Peterborough station in Cambridgeshire, about 50 minutes from London. British Transport Police confirmed the hospitalization of ten victims, with nine suffering severe injuries. Thankfully, no deaths have been reported so far. The attacker was reportedly armed with a large knife. Authorities have detained two suspects connected to the stabbings, with one subdued using a taser. Passengers described chaotic scenes of panic and terror. People scrambled over each other, some hiding in toilets to escape the violence. One witness described "blood everywhere" and people being stamped on in desperate attempts to flee. Olly Foster, a passenger, recounted hearing shouts of “run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone,” initially thinking it was a prank. He soon realized the seriousness when he noticed his hand covered in blood after leaning on a chair smeared with it. Foster also praised an older man who courageously blocked the attacker from stabbing a young girl, sustaining serious injuries himself. Other passengers tried to help by using jackets to stop the bleeding. Although the attack lasted only 10 to 15 minutes, Foster said it felt like forever. Another witness, who chose to remain anonymous, described seeing a person hanging out of the train door bleeding and people running towards the station in panic. In the early hours of 2 November, the investigation was escalated to a major incident with counter-terrorism officers now involved. The national emergency codeword "Plato"—used for marauding terror attacks—was activated. Huntingdon station remains closed, and numerous train services in the area have been canceled amid ongoing police operations. British Transport Police released a statement confirming their swift action and arrests. They emphasized that the cause and motivation behind the incident remain unclear as investigations continue. Chief Superintendent Chris Casey extended his sympathies to the injured and their families, noting that it could take time to establish what exactly happened. He urged the public to avoid speculation while emphasizing the sustained police response, including cordons and road closures around the station. The attack has left the community shaken, with many passengers and witnesses recounting harrowing experiences. The bravery of fellow travelers, especially those who intervened to protect others, has been widely acknowledged. Authorities continue to piece together the full picture as they work towards ensuring safety and preventing future incidents.