A passenger caught up in the Huntingdon train attack has described how she pleaded for her life after falling to the floor while a knife-wielding attacker stood over her, with a suspect now in custody. Eyewitnesses said the attack, which occurred shortly after the 6.25pm London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service left Peterborough station on Saturday, sparked panic among passengers.
The woman, 48, later told reporters she had said, “Please don’t kill me,” as the attacker loomed above her. She recalled the man muttering: “The devil is not going to win,” before moving on. Other passengers spoke of hiding in train toilets and the buffet car to avoid confrontation.
Olly Foster, who witnessed the incident, said an older man intervened to block the attacker from stabbing a younger woman, sustaining head and neck injuries in the process. Fellow passengers reportedly used clothing to try to stem the bleeding and help the injured. Thomas McLachlan, 19, described seeing people leaving the train “drenched in blood.”
British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident after the train came to a stop at Huntingdon station, Cambridgeshire, following emergency alarms pulled by passengers.
Officers arrested two men within eight minutes of being called at 7.42pm. A 32-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder. A second man was released after officers confirmed he was not involved.
Taxi driver Viorel Turturica told ITV News he witnessed the suspect waving a knife outside the station while repeatedly demanding police “kill me.” Officers eventually restrained the man using a Taser before taking him into custody.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy praised the bravery of LNER staff who intervened during the attack, describing their actions as “nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives.”
LNER managing director David Horne said the company’s thoughts were with all affected, particularly the staff member who remains in life-threatening condition.
Train driver Andrew Johnson, a Royal Navy veteran, diverted the service to an unscheduled platform at Huntingdon to allow emergency crews to respond safely. Passengers were advised to check online for updates as East Coast Main Line services gradually resume.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, posting on X, said: “After last night’s horrific attack, my thoughts today are with the victims, their friends and family.
“My deepest thanks go to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service. They responded rapidly, with the utmost professionalism and saved lives.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train.
“We now know this attack is not being treated as terrorism, and that two British-born, British nationals have been arrested.
“The investigation is ongoing, and I am receiving regular updates from the police.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016, quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.