Brave Rail Staff Member Suffers Severe Wounds During Mass Knife Attack on High-Speed Service
A brave railway staff member who intervened to protect passengers during a multiple knife incident on a high-speed train has sustained critical wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Incident
Surveillance video reportedly shows the staff member attempting to halt the assailant as the train traveled between a city and Huntingdon in the county. Witnesses described a frightening 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with bloodied victims fleeing through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for interrogation. Authorities announced a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Reaction and Consequences
The event on the weekend resulted in 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several people have now been discharged from medical care.
A witness filmed the individual brandishing a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he confronted officers on the platform. He was reportedly heard shouting, "End my life, kill me."
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the courageous employee of train personnel whose relatives are being assisted by trained personnel,” stated a high-ranking law enforcement officer.
Union Reaction and Calls for Measures
Rail associations were quick to praise staff and demand increased action. One union leader said he would be “requesting urgent meetings with government, train companies and police to guarantee that we have the strongest possible assistance, tools and robust procedures in operation”.
Another union representative encouraged the train operator and government “to act swiftly to examine safety, to help the affected employees, and to ensure nothing like this happens again”.
Driver Commended for Rapid Thinking
The operator who halted the train at Huntingdon was reported as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“The driver didn’t stop the train in the middle of two stations where it’s obviously difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he continued traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was pretty much already there,” stated a union representative.
Further Information
Police said they got the initial distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One observer recounted initially thinking if the situation was a holiday prank, but soon realized from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Authorities have stated there is no evidence to indicate the event was a terror-related incident and have requested the community to come forward with any additional details.
Train services on the impacted route are expected to have delays until the following day, with passengers recommended to postpone their journeys where possible.
Anyone with information that could help the inquiry are asked to contact police by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.
