Two British nationals held after UK train stabbing; no terror motive
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Police say two British nationals were arrested after a stabbing on a UK train left ten injured, including two who remain in life-threatening condition.
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A forensic investigator carries evidence as the investigation into the attack continues (AP)
Two people remain in life-threatening condition following a mass stabbing on an LNER train, police confirmed on Sunday.
Superintendent John Loveless said ten victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance, and another later sought treatment independently. While nine were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries, four have since been discharged.
Police arrested two suspects, both British nationals, on suspicion of attempted murder. The men, aged 32 and 35, were detained within eight minutes of the emergency call and remain in custody. One suspect is described as a Black British national and the other as being of Caribbean descent.
“This was an extremely swift response,” Loveless said, adding that investigators continue to treat the case as an isolated incident.
In a related development, Police said there is currently no evidence indicating the train stabbing was terror-related, as investigations continue into what prompted the attack.
The British Transport Police confirmed officers are still working to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the violence.
The attack shocked the UK
Defense Secretary John Healey told Sky News that the attack occurred on the same service he and his wife had used earlier that evening.
“I can’t begin to imagine how shocked and frightened those passengers were,” he said, praising the “huge bravery” of both passengers and emergency crews.
Healey urged the public to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
“The only assessment is that this was an isolated incident,” he said. “There is no reason for the rest of us not to get on with our lives and travel as normal.”
The attack has triggered widespread shock across the country. The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said it was “horrified” by the incident.
“Our thoughts remain with the train crew and passengers who were either at work or going about their business on a busy Saturday night,” the union said, calling for space to allow emergency services to “establish the full facts.”
No motive disclosed
Earlier today, British Transport Police (BTP) explained that the national “Plato” alert, a code word signaling a potential marauding terror attack. That declaration was later rescinded, and no motive for the attack was disclosed.
“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,” said BTP Chief Superintendent Chris Casey. “At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.”
'Deeply concerning' incident
Prime Minister Starmer called the event “deeply concerning” and urged the public to follow official advice.
“The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning,” he wrote on X. “My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.”
The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 1, 2025
My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.
Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.
Local MP Ben Obese-Jecty praised the swift response of emergency personnel.
“Very reassuring to see such a quick and effective response from the emergency services. I’ve simply never seen as big a response to an emergency incident as there was in terms of police, fire, and ambulance.”
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” by the news and urged people “to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.”
'Do Not Travel' advice
LNER confirmed the attack occurred on one of its trains and warned passengers of “major disruption” across the network.
“We are experiencing major disruption across the LNER route. Emergency services are dealing with an incident at Huntingdon station; all lines are blocked. Our advice is ‘Do Not Travel,’” the operator said, adding that disruption was expected to continue until Monday.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp called it a “brutal mass attack,” urging authorities to provide details as soon as possible.
“My thoughts are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding,” he stressed.
It is worth noting that Cambridgeshire Constabulary appealed to witnesses to come forward, asking anyone with information to report it online, quoting incident 495 of 1 November, or by calling 101.
