Counter-Terror Police Join Investigation After Mass Train Stabbing Leaves Nine Critical

HUNTINGDON, CAMBRIDGESHIRE – The British Transport Police (BTP) have declared a “major incident” and confirmed that Counter Terrorism Policing officers are supporting the investigation into a mass stabbing on a London-bound train Saturday night, which resulted in ten people hospitalised, nine with life-threatening injuries.

The attack occurred on the LNER service shortly after it passed through Peterborough, leading to an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station around 19:40 GMT. Armed police boarded the train and swiftly arrested two people in connection with the attack.

BTP Chief Superintendent Chris Casey confirmed the force had briefly activated “Plato”—the national code word for a “marauding terror attack”—before later rescinding the terror declaration.

“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,” Casey said, stressing that it was premature to speculate on the motivation for the violence.

The empty train remains at Huntingdon platform, surrounded by a heavy police presence and forensics tents, as officers work to establish the full circumstances of the attack, which witnesses described as lasting roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

The incident has caused severe disruption across the East Coast Mainline. LNER, the operator, has issued a “Do Not Travel” advisory for Sunday, November 2nd, warning of major disruption, cancellations, and alterations.

Refunds and Validity: Ticketholders are eligible for a full refund, and unused weekend LNER tickets for Saturday or Sunday will be honored until Tuesday, November 4th.

Alternative Routes: LNER confirmed tickets are being accepted on numerous alternative services, including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, and East Midlands Railway, to help manage the travel chaos affecting thousands of passengers.

The ten victims were transported to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge, with the massive emergency response including multiple air ambulances and fire engines, demonstrating the severity of the attack. Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty noted seeing “well over 20 police cars” at the scene just after 21:00.