LONDON (AP) — British police have reported that 10 people were hospitalized following a mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train Saturday evening, with nine individuals suffering life-threatening injuries. Counter-terrorism police are currently supporting the investigation.
In an early Sunday statement, British Transport Police—responsible for security on trains—confirmed that two individuals have been arrested in connection with the stabbings. “Ten people have been taken to hospital with nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries,” the statement read.
The incident has been declared a major one, and Counter Terrorism Policing is assisting as authorities work to determine the full circumstances and motivation behind the attack. Police also revealed that the national code word “Plato,” used when responding to potential marauding terror attacks, was initiated shortly after the event. Although this declaration was later rescinded, officials have not disclosed any motive.
Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said, “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.”
The attack occurred as the Doncaster to London King’s Cross train was heading south toward Huntingdon, a market town located a few miles northwest of Cambridge. Emergency services—including armed police and air ambulances—responded quickly as the train arrived at Huntingdon station.
The situation appears to have been swiftly contained once the train pulled into the station. Police officers in forensic suits and accompanied by a police dog were seen working on the platform.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the local police force, said armed officers attended the scene following a call at 7:39 p.m. on Saturday. The two arrests were made at Huntingdon station, which is approximately 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of London.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his sympathy, stating his “thoughts are with all those affected” by the “appalling incident.”
Paul Bristow, mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, described having heard of “horrendous scenes” on the train.
London North Eastern Railway (LNER), operator of the East Coast Mainline services, confirmed the incident occurred on one of its trains and urged passengers to avoid travel due to “major disruption.”
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/02/nx-s1-5594754/10-people-hospitalized-after-uk-train-stabbing-attack-9-with-life-threatening-injuries