The Doncaster to London train stabbings have continued to dominate national headlines after police confirmed that two men are being held on suspicion of attempted murder. Authorities now say the attack, which left eleven passengers injured, is “likely not terror-related,” easing initial fears of a wider threat. The shocking incident occurred on the 18:25 GMT London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to King’s Cross on Saturday evening.
According to police, the Doncaster to London train stabbings began shortly after the train passed through Peterborough in Cambridgeshire. Witnesses reported chaos and panic as at least one man armed with a knife attacked passengers at random. The British Transport Police (BTP) and Cambridgeshire Police received emergency calls around 19:39 GMT, prompting an immediate armed response.
The train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon Station, where officers quickly boarded and detained two suspects within eight minutes of the initial call. Superintendent John Loveless of the BTP confirmed that the suspects, aged 32 and 35, are both British nationals — one a Black British man and the other of Caribbean descent. Both are currently being questioned in separate police stations.
Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive at this stage. “There is nothing to suggest this was a terror-related incident,” Supt Loveless said during a press briefing. “Our investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances.” Counter-terrorism officers initially supported the operation, but the “Plato” protocol — the national alert for potential marauding terror attacks — was later rescinded.
Emergency services responded rapidly to the Doncaster to London train stabbings. Ten victims were taken to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, while another later sought medical attention independently. As of Sunday morning, two victims remain in life-threatening condition and four have been discharged. Police said all injured passengers have been accounted for, and family members have been notified.
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes of blood and confusion as passengers ran between carriages trying to find safety. One man, 58-year-old Alistair Day, told the BBC that he hid in the buffet car with around eleven others while the attacker tried to break through the door. “There was shouting, and people were bleeding everywhere,” he said. “We were just trying to keep each other calm.”
Another witness, Olly Foster, said he heard passengers yelling, “Run, there’s a guy stabbing everyone!” before seeing an older man bleeding from the neck after trying to defend a young woman. “It was complete chaos — everyone was trying to escape,” he said.
The train station at Huntingdon remained closed into Sunday as forensic teams continued to examine the scene. Photographs showed police tents and emergency vehicles still stationed on the platform. MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who visited the site shortly after 9 p.m., described “well over 20 police cars, multiple ambulances, and fire crews” responding to what he called “a devastating scene.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the Doncaster to London train stabbings as “appalling” and “deeply concerning,” offering condolences to those affected and commending the emergency services for their swift action. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families, praising the professionalism of first responders.
King Charles and Queen Camilla issued a statement extending their “deepest sympathy” to the victims, calling the incident “truly appalling.” The royal couple thanked emergency services for their “courage and rapid response in saving lives.”
The attack has reignited debate over the UK’s rising knife crime problem. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was “horrified” by the Doncaster to London train stabbings and called for urgent action to address violent crime. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey praised passengers who intervened to protect others, describing their actions as “acts of extraordinary bravery.”
Rail services continue to experience disruption following the attack. London North Eastern Railway (LNER) has advised passengers to check travel updates as some delays and cancellations persist. A rail replacement service remains in place for Huntingdon, which will stay closed until further notice.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that additional police patrols have been deployed across major stations and trains to reassure travelers. A government spokesperson said there will be a “surge” in security presence through Tuesday in key transport hubs, including London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on understanding what led to the Doncaster to London train stabbings and whether mental health or personal grievances may have played a role. For now, the UK breathes a sigh of relief that the attack was not linked to terrorism — but the nation remains shaken by the brutality of the event.
For more updates on this developing story, visit the FFR News or read the original BBC report here.
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