At least ten individuals were sent to the hospital following a stabbing spree on a train in the UK.
According to a British Transport Police (BTP) news release, at 7:42 p.m. local time on Saturday, Nov. 1, multiple people were stabbed aboard a train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. When armed police and paramedics got at the scene, they discovered ten injured victims.
The patients were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police confirmed in a press conference on Sunday that four people were later released, but two remain in critical condition. There have been no fatalities.
The BBC claimed that two British nationals were arrested at the spot on suspicion of attempted murder.
Olly Foster, a train passenger, told the BBC that he initially believed the incident was a Halloween prank. As the stabbing incident progressed, he noticed individuals sprinting through the carriage, encouraging him to do the same.
“I put my hand on this chair just trying to push myself forward,” Foster remembered. “Then I look at my hand, which is covered in blood.” I stare at the chair. “There is blood all over the chairs.”
Foster stated that passengers activated the emergency alert as an older guy attempted to stop the perpetrator from attacking a younger girl.
“We ran up the platform,” Foster told the BBC, recalling the moment they escaped the blood-soaked carriage. “We ran out of the station, as we ran out of the station, we saw blue lights, so [police] were there very quick.”
In a post on X, Prime Minister Keir Starmer termed the situation as “deeply concerning”.
“My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,” she said. “Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.”
In a post on Instagram Stories, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla are “truly appalled and shocked” by the occurrence.
“Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all those affected, and their loved ones,” the press release continued. “We are particularly grateful to the emergency services for their response to this awful incident.”
Prince William and Kate Middleton both spoke out about the incident.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said in a statement: “I spoke with The Prince of Wales this morning, and he asked me to express his and the Princess of Wales’ thoughts for the families and friends of everyone affected by the horrific events last night near Huntingdon.” He also wants to show his gratitude to the first responders and train staff for their quick actions.”
The Counter Terrorism Police are assisting the British Transport Police with their inquiry, according to a BTP news release.
“This is a shocking incident, and first and foremost, my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families,” stated Chief Superintendent Chris Casey in a news release.
“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,” the officer said. “Speculation on the causes of the occurrence would be inappropriate at this early stage.
“Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time,” Casey informed us. “Cordons are in place, trains are not running through the region, and certain roads are closed.
“I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation this evening, which has already greatly assisted our policing response,” said the official. “We will update you again as soon as we have more information.”
Huntingdon Station will remain closed on Sunday, with an increase in police officers at other stations and on trains, according to an amended news release from the BTP.
