Saturday’s violent stabbing incident on a train in Cambridgeshire has been clarified by the Home Secretary as not linked to terrorism. Providing an update, Shabana Mahmood revealed that two individuals, both British-born British nationals, were apprehended at the scene in Huntingdon. She commended the rapid response of emergency services and lauded the remarkable courage displayed by both train staff and passengers aboard the LNER train.
Authorities disclosed that a 32-year-old British male and a 35-year-old man of Caribbean descent, also a British national, are currently in custody. The distressing attack resulted in eleven individuals sustaining injuries, with nine victims facing life-threatening conditions on a London-bound train. Fortunately, four of the injured have been discharged from the hospital. The stabbings occurred shortly after the train made a stop in Peterborough.
In a tweet, Ms. Mahmood extended her thoughts and sympathies to the victims and their loved ones, expressing gratitude to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the East of England Ambulance Service for their swift and professional actions that saved lives. She emphasized that the incident is not considered terrorism, with ongoing investigations and regular updates from the police.
British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless characterized the incident as “shocking” and refrained from speculating on the motive behind the stabbings. He highlighted the swift arrest made eight minutes after the attack was reported and confirmed that out of the 11 individuals treated in hospitals, four have been discharged. Mr. Loveless reiterated that there is currently no evidence indicating terrorist involvement.
The unsettling attack transpired on a train departing Peterborough station in Cambridgeshire at 7:42 pm. Reports suggest that a man armed with a large knife was subdued by police using a Taser. British Transport Police confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the incident that occurred on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service at 6:25 pm on Saturday.