Mass Stabbing on UK Train: 10 Injured, 9 in Critical Condition

British authorities are investigating a horrific mass stabbing on a northbound train as a potential terror incident after 10 passengers were hospitalized Saturday evening, with nine suffering life-threatening injuries. Two suspects were arrested at the scene, and counter-terrorism police have joined the probe, though no motive has been confirmed.

The attack unfolded around 7:42 p.m. local time on a 6:25 p.m. Great Northern Thameslink service from Doncaster to London King's Cross, about 10 minutes after departing Peterborough station. Witnesses described chaotic scenes: passengers screaming, trampling over each other to escape, and hiding in train toilets as assailants - believed to be armed with knives - indiscriminately slashed victims across multiple carriages.

One eyewitness told Sky News they saw an attacker Tasered by armed officers before arrest, while others activated the emergency alarm in panic.

Another witness told Sky News that the Huntingdon stabbing suspect was a Black man wearing all black and carrying a large knife, however no further details on the suspects have been released, and police have urged the public to avoid speculation.

British Transport Police (BTP), leading the investigation with support from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, declared it a "major incident" immediately. At one point, responders invoked "Plato," the national code for a possible "marauding terror attack," before rescinding it as the situation stabilized, but counter-terrorism specialists remain involved to probe the "full circumstances and motivation."

Armed officers boarded the train at Huntingdon station, where it was halted, arresting two men who remain in custody.

Emergency Response and Victim UpdateThe East of England Ambulance Service mounted a massive operation, dispatching "numerous ambulances, tactical commanders, Hazardous Area Response Teams, and critical care units" from multiple regions, including three air ambulances (East Anglian, Essex & Herts, and Magpas).

All 10 victims, whose ages and genders haven't been disclosed, were rushed to hospitals in Cambridge and Peterborough; nine remain in critical condition as of early Sunday, with one sustaining serious but non-life-threatening wounds.

Trains on the East Coast Main Line were suspended between Peterborough and London, with disruptions expected into Sunday. Thameslink urged affected passengers to seek support via their helpline.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the "appalling incident" "deeply concerning," extending thoughts to victims and praising emergency responders: "Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police."

Liberal Democrats leader Ed Davey echoed: "Horrified by the reports... Thank you to the emergency services."

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood added: "I am deeply saddened... Two suspects have been immediately arrested."

Knife crime has surged 7% nationally in 2025, per recent Home Office data, though mass attacks on public transport remain rare.The investigation continues, with forensics teams scouring the train.

BTP: "Our thoughts are with those affected."

Updates expected as hospitals provide condition reports.