🔗 Share this article

A valiant train staff member who intervened to protect passengers during a multiple knife incident on a express train has suffered life-threatening wounds, police stated on Sunday.

Details of the Terrifying Event

CCTV video reportedly shows the staff member attempting to stop the assailant as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Witnesses recounted a frightening 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied passengers running through compartments.

The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Authorities declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.

Crisis Response and Consequences

The event on the weekend led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Several people have since been discharged from medical care.

A bystander filmed the suspect waving a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced officers on the platform. He was allegedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."

“This awful event has created broad consequences. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the brave employee of rail staff whose relatives are being supported by specialist officers,” said a senior law enforcement officer.

Union Reaction and Appeals for Measures

Train unions were quick to commend staff and call for increased measures. One labor leader stated he would be “requesting immediate discussions with government, rail employers and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the strongest possible assistance, resources and effective procedures in operation”.

A different association leader urged the rail company and government “to move swiftly to review safety, to support the impacted employees, and to make sure that no incident like this occurs again”.

Driver Praised for Rapid Action

The train driver who stopped the service at Huntingdon was reported as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by union officials for doing “precisely what was needed”.

“He didn’t stop the service in the center of two stations where it’s obviously challenging for the first responders to access, but he continued going until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the response was pretty much waiting,” stated a association representative.

Additional Information

Authorities said they got the first distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

One witness recounted initially wondering if the event was a holiday prank, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was real.

Authorities have stated there is nothing to suggest the event was a terror-related attack and have asked the community to come forward with any additional details.

Train operations on the impacted line are anticipated to experience disruption until the following day, with passengers recommended to defer their journeys where possible.

Anyone with details that could help the investigation are asked to reach authorities by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.