Security skilled requires metallic detectors at ‘all stations’ after horror practice stabbing
EXCLUSIVE: Eleven people have been treated for stab wounds following the Huntingdon train stabbings on Saturday evening (November 1), but now one security expert says ‘tough’ measures are needed
A security expert has called for metal detectors to be placed at “all train stations” in the wake of the horrific Huntingdon train stabbings. It comes as two people remain in a “critical condition” in hospital following the attack.
In total, eleven people were taken to hospital after two men stabbed passengers on a train going through Cambridgeshire on Saturday evening (November 1). The crime is now being investigated by police as people are left in shock at the barbarity of the seemingly ‘random’ incident, with police yet to confirm a motive.
On Sunday morning (November 2), the British Transport Police confirmed that two of the eleven in hospital are fighting for their lives. Meanwhile, two British men, aged 32 and 35, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star, Anthony Glees – a security expert and professor at University of Buckingham – said the move is now needed to increase passenger safety. He added that in the wake of the incident, security on trains will be boosted drastically.
“I’d strongly urge British Transport Police to install metal detectors routinely at all stations,” he insisted. “One of the alleged attackers was said to be carrying a ‘huge knife’.”
When asked on whether there could be a ripple effect of security concerns in the wake of the attack, Glees said travellers should be ‘prepared’. However, he pointed out that looking after passengers on trains is a particularly tough move.
He added that the stabbing will add extra pressure on the government to introduce stricter measures on trains. However, he noted that the logistics of implementing these measures will cause problems for officers.
In his response to whether there will be growing calls for more security, he replied: “Yes, for a while – perhaps – but trains (like London tubes) are basically unpoliceable spaces. I doubt that conductors would be re-introduced.
He continued: “We are all very jumpy right now. The Government seems to lack authority but so do other key institutions that keep society on the straight and narrow.”
In his eyes, Glees added that there needs to be a drastic change in how the government approaches knife crime. Following a spate of other stabbing incidents in recent months, attention is higher than ever, to which Glees said this is the ‘perfect’ moment to make changes.
Forensic investigations into the attack remain ongoing. The government has insisted that the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
Earlier today, British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless said “it is a shocking incident” as he added that it was “not appropriate” to speculate on the “cause” of the stabbings were.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses have continued to recount the horrors they saw as the attack took place. Since the attack, the train station in Huntingdon has closed as police continue their probes into the site of the attack.
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