Mass knife attack on train near Cambridge: ten people in hospital, two detained

There has been a serious incodent on board a train connecting Doncaster and London. The service, which was bound for King's Cross station, was stopped at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire after reports of multiple stab wounds, where police arrested two men. Ten people were hospitalised, nine of whom had life-threatening injuries, according to the AP.

Rescue forces, including armed police officers, helicopters and forensic teams, arrived at the scene within minutes. As reported by The Guardian, police received the call at around 19:39 GMT, shortly after the train left Peterborough station. The incident was declared a "major incident" and the anti-terrorism code "Plato", which is used in emergencies with a possible terrorist motive, was activated shortly afterwards. However, according to Reuters, there are no indications so far that this is an act of terrorism.

Witnesses described the scene as utter chaos. One passenger told Sky News that he saw a man with a large knife in the carriage and heard screams as people fled in panic to neighbouring carriages or locked themselves in toilets. Service on the line had to be suspended, with the LNER operator urging passengers not to travel to the area and to expect delays.

The injured were taken to hospitals in Cambridge, Peterborough and London. Nine of them are in serious, life-threatening condition, according to the AP. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as a "horrific act" and thanked paramedics and police officers for their swift action. Police also warned the public against speculation and urged witnesses to provide any information that could shed light on the course of the incident.

The investigation is being led by British Transport Police in partnership with Counter Terrorism Policing and the local Cambridgeshire Constabulary. According to The Guardian, CCTV footage has been seized, passengers and crew members have been interviewed and initial forensic analysis is underway. Police have promised to keep the public informed of the results.

Similar violent attacks have happened in Britain in the past. In 2013, soldier Lee Rigby was murdered with a knife in Woolwich, causing a national shock. In June 2017 there was an attack on London Bridge and in November 2015 a passenger was stabbed at Leytonstone station on the London Underground. Each of these cases led to tighter security measures and an expansion of the police's counter-terrorism powers.

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