The attacker, described as a man dressed in black, boarded the LNER service at Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, and began stabbing passengers at random shortly after the train departed at around 7.30pm.
Police have arrested a 32 year old British man from Peterborough in connection with the attack. He remains in custody. Authorities confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
According to witnesses, families and football fans were among those caught in the chaos during the 14 minute rampage. Some passengers locked themselves in lavatories, while others grabbed loose items to defend themselves. One man was reportedly injured while shielding a woman and a child.
A member of LNER staff, who stepped in to protect passengers, was critically injured and is now in hospital in a life threatening condition. He was among 11 people treated after the train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon at 7.44pm.
The train’s driver, Andrew Johnson, a former Royal Navy chief petty officer and weapons engineer who served in Iraq in 2003, has been praised for his quick thinking. He diverted the train to the nearest station, allowing emergency services to reach the scene quickly.
“I was only doing my job,” Johnson told ITV News. “It was my colleague who is in hospital who was the brave one.”
British Transport Police confirmed that officers subdued the suspect with a Taser and recovered a knife at the scene.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said the injured worker’s bravery was nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives.
The King and Queen said they were truly appalled and shocked by the attack and paid tribute to the victims and emergency responders.
In response to the incident, the government has announced a temporary surge in policing across the rail network. A government source said the move was aimed at reassuring the public, adding: “It’s important passengers feel safe.”
Defence Secretary John Healey said it was too early to discuss long term security measures such as airport style screening at stations but urged travellers to remain vigilant and look out for each other.
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, described the attack as abhorrent, adding: “We cannot be a country where people are innocently going about their business and facing this level of violent crime.”
David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, thanked the emergency services and praised the courage of his staff: “I would also like to recognise the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions.”
