Multiple people stabbed on London-bound train: Nine critically injured; what we know so far

At least ten people have been hospitalised nine of them with life-threatening injuries following a mass stabbing on a London-bound train on Saturday evening. British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that two individuals have been arrested, as counter-terrorism officers join the investigation into what has been declared a “major incident.”

The attack occurred on the 7.04pm London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service travelling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross. Violence reportedly broke out as the train headed south towards Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire , prompting a large-scale emergency response. Armed police, paramedics, and air ambulances were deployed after the alarm was raised at around 7:39 p.m.

In a statement early Sunday, BTP said: “Ten people have been taken to hospital, nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries. This has been declared a major incident and Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting our investigation whilst we work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident.”

The police also confirmed that “Plato” — the national code word used when responding to a potential marauding terror attack — was activated but later stood down. Chief Superintendent Chris Casey urged the public not to speculate on the motive, adding that enquiries were ongoing.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as passengers attempted to flee. One passenger told *The Times* there was “blood everywhere,” and that people hid in washrooms to escape a man wielding a large knife. Others reported seeing armed officers taser and detain a suspect on the platform once the train arrived at Huntingdon.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “appalling and deeply concerning,” offering his thanks to the emergency services for their swift response. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that two people remained in custody.

LNER said services on the East Coast Main Line were severely disrupted, urging passengers not to travel. The incident has reignited debate over rising knife crime across the UK, which the government has pledged to halve within the next decade.