A man detained and arrested after 11 were injured during a multiple stabbing on a train between Doncaster and London Kings Cross on Saturday had a history of mental health issues and was known to the authorities, it has been alleged. British Transport Police (BTP) were last night holding the 32-year-old black British man, who is understood to be from Peterborough, on suspicion of attempted murder. A second man has been released. Passengers feared for their lives as people were stabbed around them on the service.
Armed police rushed to Huntingdon station in eight minutes after the train made an unscheduled stop. An “heroic” railway worker is fighting for his life after trying to stop the attacker. Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, of British Transport Police (BTP), said CCTV from the train showed the LNER staff member’s actions “were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives”. Passengers have spoken of the horror that unfolded on the train.
One woman said she felt “very lucky” to be unharmed after begging the man to spare her life when he chased after her.
Dayna Arnold, 48, told the Mirror: “I fell down and I just said, ‘Please don’t kill me’.
“Something shifted in his face and he just carried on. He said: ‘The devil is not going to win.’”
Olly Foster, who witnessed the incident, told the BBC an older man “blocked” the attacker from stabbing a younger girl, leaving him with injuries to his head and neck.
He added that other passengers used their clothing to try to stem the bleeding.
Thomas McLachlan, 19, from London, told the same broadcaster that he saw people leaving the train “drenched in blood”.
British Transport Police (BTP) Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said yesterday: “Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident.
“As would be expected, specialist detectives are looking into the background of the suspect we have in custody and the events that led up to the attack.
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the brave member of rail staff whose family are being supported by specialist officers.
“Having viewed the CCTV from the train, the actions of the member of rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives.
“My thanks to the public for their patience while we continue our investigation at Huntingdon station. We hope that we will be able to support GTR in reopening the station soon.
“Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.”
