A blood-soaked knife rampage was launched on board a London-bound passenger train last night which has left nine people fighting for their lives as the police arrested two people
A devastating knife rampage on a train has left nine people fighting for their lives as questions remain unanswered. The service had just left Huntingdon station en route from Doncaster to London King’s Cross when the chaos erupted.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed: “We can confirm that at 7.42pm today British Transport Police were called to reports of a multiple stabbing on board the 6.25pm train service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. Officers immediately attended Huntingdon station alongside paramedics.
“Armed police from Cambridgeshire Police boarded the train and arrested two people in connection to the incident who have been taken to police custody.
“Ten people have been taken to hospital with nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries. One is being treated for non life-threatening injuries. There have been no fatalities.
“This has been declared a major incident and Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting our investigation whilst we work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident.”
Was it a terror attack?
Based on police statements thus far, numerous questions remain unanswered.
The Express reported that terror officers are providing assistance and examining potential motives behind the assault.
At one stage, emergency services activated “Plato”, the national alert system employed by police and emergency personnel when responding to a “marauding terror attack”.
This designation was subsequently withdrawn, British Transport Police confirmed.
What was the motivation?
A crucial factor in determining whether the incident is classified as terrorism will be the motive behind the attack. Officers are currently investigating this aspect.
Who stopped the attackers?
There are unverified accounts of courageous acts aboard the train to shield passengers.
A witness informed the BBC that an elderly gentleman prevented an attacker from stabbing a young girl.
The unnamed man sustained cuts to his head and neck, Olly Foster reported.
Passengers seized a bottle of Jack Daniels to defend themselves during the ordeal, he continued.
Where did the attackers get on?
Details have also not been disclosed regarding where the perpetrators boarded the service.
It was running between Doncaster and London King’s Cross.
The train made an unexpected stop at Huntingdon while the incident unfolded.
What does CCTV show?
The public will be keen to learn precisely what the onboard CCTV footage reveals.
Detectives will be analysing it to determine what transpired.
BTP Chief Superintendent Chris Casey stated: “This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families.
“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. At this early stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
“Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time. Cordons are in place and trains are not currently running through the area, and there are also some road closures.
“I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation this evening which has already greatly assisted our policing response. We will update you again as soon as we have more information.”
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