British authorities have stated that the recent stabbing incident on a train in Cambridgeshire is not believed to be a terrorist attack. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood provided an update confirming that the two suspects apprehended at the scene in Huntingdon are British-born nationals. Commending the quick response of emergency services, Mahmood praised the courage shown by both staff and passengers aboard the LNER train.
According to the police, a 32-year-old British man and a 35-year-old man of Caribbean descent, also a British national, are currently in custody. The chilling attack left eleven people injured, with nine sustaining life-threatening wounds on a train bound for London. Four of the victims have been discharged from the hospital. The stabbings occurred shortly after the train made a stop in Peterborough.
In a Twitter post, Mahmood expressed her thoughts and sympathies for the victims and their families following the tragic incident. She extended her gratitude to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the East of England Ambulance Service for their prompt and professional actions that saved lives. Mahmood emphasized that the attack is not being treated as terrorism, highlighting the ongoing investigation and regular updates from the authorities.
British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless described the event as “shocking” and refrained from speculating on the motive behind the stabbings. The first arrest was made within eight minutes of the incident being reported. Of the eleven individuals hospitalized, four have been discharged after originally presenting with critical injuries. Loveless stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest a terrorist motive behind the attack.
Although a major incident was declared by British Transport Police, with initial support from counter-terrorism units, Loveless emphasized that there is no indication of terrorism at this stage. The assault occurred on a train departing from Peterborough station at 7:42 pm and involved police using a Taser on a man wielding a large knife.
British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the assault that took place on the 6.25 pm service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday.