Heroic Rail Employee Suffers Severe Injuries Amid Multiple Stabbing Attack on Express Service

A valiant train employee who intervened to protect passengers during a mass knife attack on a express train has suffered life-threatening injuries, police stated on Sunday.

Particulars of the Terrifying Event

CCTV footage allegedly shows the employee trying to halt the attacker as the train journeyed between a city and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Witnesses recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied passengers fleeing through carriages.

The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, remains in detention for interrogation. Authorities announced a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.

Emergency Reaction and Consequences

The incident on Saturday night led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several people have now been released from hospital.

A bystander recorded the individual brandishing a large knife and being subdued with a stun device as he confronted police on the station. He was allegedly heard yelling, "Kill me, end my life."

“This awful event has created broad consequences. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – particularly the courageous member of rail staff whose family are being supported by trained officers,” said a high-ranking law enforcement official.

Labor Reaction and Calls for Action

Train unions were swift to commend employees and demand increased measures. A union leader stated he would be “seeking immediate discussions with government, rail employers and law enforcement to ensure that we have the best available assistance, tools and effective protocols in operation”.

A different union leader urged the train operator and authorities “to move swiftly to review safety, to help the affected employees, and to make sure that no incident like this occurs again”.

Driver Commended for Rapid Thinking

The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been praised by association officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.

“The driver didn’t stop the service in the middle of two stops where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to access, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” explained a union representative.

Additional Information

Authorities said they got the initial emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

One observer described at first thinking if the event was a holiday joke, but soon realized from individuals' expressions that it was real.

Authorities have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the event was a terrorist attack and have requested the community to come forward with any additional details.

Rail services on the affected line are expected to have disruption until Monday, with passengers recommended to postpone their journeys where feasible.

Individuals with details that could help the investigation are asked to reach police by texting a specific number with a reference code.

Sherri Merritt
Sherri Merritt

A passionate travel writer and local guide with deep roots in Lombok, sharing authentic stories and expert advice.