Brave Train Staff Member Suffers Severe Injuries Amid Mass Stabbing Incident on Express Train

A brave train staff member who intervened to protect travelers during a multiple knife attack on a express train has sustained critical injuries, police stated on Sunday.

Details of the Terrifying Event

Surveillance footage reportedly depicts the employee trying to halt the assailant as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Witnesses described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with injured victims running through compartments.

The suspect, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Police announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.

Crisis Reaction and Aftermath

The event on Saturday night led to 11 people being cared for in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Several individuals have since been discharged from hospital.

A witness recorded the suspect brandishing a large knife and being shot with a Taser as he confronted officers on the station. He was reportedly 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 – particularly the courageous member of train personnel whose relatives are being supported by trained officers,” stated a senior police official.

Labor Response and Appeals for Action

Rail unions were quick to praise staff and demand more measures. One labor leader said he would be “requesting urgent meetings with government, rail employers and police to ensure that we have the strongest available support, resources and robust protocols in operation”.

Another union representative urged the train operator and authorities “to act swiftly to review safety, to help the impacted workers, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.

Operator Praised for Quick Thinking

The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been praised by union representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.

“The driver didn’t halt the service in the center of two stations where it’s clearly difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” stated a association representative.

Additional Details

Police stated they received the initial distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

One observer recounted initially wondering if the situation was a Halloween joke, but quickly understood from individuals' faces that it was serious.

Authorities have stated there is nothing to indicate the incident was a terrorist incident and have requested the community to come forward with any further information.

Train services on the impacted route are expected to experience disruption until Monday, with travelers recommended to postpone their travel where feasible.

Individuals with information that could help the investigation are encouraged to reach police by sending a message a specific number with a case code.

Julie Valdez
Julie Valdez

Tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in emerging technologies and startup ecosystems.