Heroic Rail Staff Member Receives Critical Injuries Amid Mass Knife Attack on High-Speed Train
A brave train staff member who intervened to protect passengers during a mass knife attack on a express train has sustained critical wounds, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Incident
Surveillance video reportedly shows the employee attempting to halt the assailant as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Witnesses recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with injured passengers fleeing through compartments.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in detention for questioning. Police announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Response and Consequences
The incident on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being cared for in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Several individuals have now been released from hospital.
A witness recorded the individual waving a big knife and being shot with a stun device as he confronted police on the station. He was allegedly heard shouting, "End my life, end my life."
âThis terrible incident has affected many people. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families â especially the courageous employee of train personnel whose family are being supported by specialist officers,â said a high-ranking law enforcement officer.
Labor Response and Calls for Action
Train unions were quick to commend staff and demand increased action. One labor leader stated he would be ârequesting immediate meetings with authorities, rail employers and police to guarantee that we have the strongest possible assistance, resources and effective procedures in placeâ.
Another association representative urged the rail company and authorities âto move quickly to review safety, to support the affected workers, and to ensure nothing like this happens againâ.
Operator Praised for Quick Action
The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being âvery shakenâ but âwellâ, and has been praised by association representatives for doing âexactly the right thingâ.
âHe didnât stop the train in the middle of two stations where itâs clearly difficult for the emergency services to access, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the response was almost waiting,â explained a union representative.
Additional Information
Authorities stated they received the initial emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One observer recounted at first thinking if the situation was a holiday prank, but quickly understood from people's faces that it was serious.
Authorities have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the event was a terror-related attack and have asked the community to come forward with any further information.
Train services on the affected line are expected to have delays until Monday, with passengers advised to defer their travel where possible.
Anyone with details that could help the investigation are encouraged to reach police by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.