HUNTINGDON, England — British police on Sunday identified a 32-year-old man from Peterborough as the sole suspect in a mass stabbing aboard a London-bound train, praising the “heroic” intervention of a rail worker who remains in life-threatening condition.
The man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody, according to a statement from British Transport Police. A second man, a 35-year-old from London who was detained at the scene, has been released without further action.
The attack unfolded Saturday evening on a typically crowded train traveling from Doncaster in northeast England to London’s King’s Cross Station. Police were alerted to an emergency around 7:40 p.m. local time, prompting the train to make an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station, about 80 miles north of London. Armed officers arrested the suspect there, and a knife was recovered from the scene.
Ten people were initially hospitalized with stab wounds. Five have since been discharged, but one victim — a rail staff member who intervened to stop the attacker — is in critical condition. “Detectives have reviewed the CCTV from the train and it is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives,” the police statement said.
“Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident,” Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said.
Counterterrorism officers assisted in the early stages of the probe but later determined there was no evidence the stabbing was linked to terrorism. Authorities are now working to piece together the events leading up to the violence and the suspect’s background.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the incident as “appalling” and “deeply concerning.” King Charles said he was “truly appalled and shocked.” Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood expressed that she was “deeply saddened” and urged the public to refrain from speculation.
The stabbing comes amid a surge in knife crime across England and Wales. Offenses rose 87% over the past decade, reaching 54,587 last year — a 2% increase from 2023 and among Europe’s highest rates, according to figures from Britain’s Home Office. (source: Agencies)
