Huntingdon train stabbings suspect ‘had history of mental health issues’ | UK | News
A man detained and arrested after 11 people were injured during a multiple stabbing on a train between Doncaster and London Kings Cross on Saturday had a history of mental health problems and was known to authorities, it has been claimed. British Transport Police (BTP) were last night holding a 32-year-old black British man, apparently from Peterborough, on suspicion of attempted murder. A second person was released. Passengers feared for their lives while people around them were stabbed during the service.
Armed police rushed to Huntingdon station within eight minutes of the train’s unplanned stop. A “hero” railway worker fights for his life after trying to stop an attacker. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Cundy, of British Transport Police (BTP), said CCTV on the train showed the actions of LNER staff were “nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives”. Passengers told about the horror that happened on the train.
A woman said she felt “very lucky” to be unharmed after begging the man chasing her to spare her life.
Dayna Arnold, 48, told the Mirror: “I fell down and said, ‘Please don’t kill me.’
“Something changed on his face and he continued. He said: ‘The devil will not win.'”
Olly Foster, who witnessed the incident, told the BBC that an elderly man “stopped” an attacker from stabbing a young girl, leaving him with head and neck injuries.
He added that other passengers used their clothes to stop the bleeding.
Thomas McLachlan, 19, from London, told the same broadcaster he saw people getting off the train “covered in blood”.
British Transport Police (BTP) Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said yesterday: “Our investigation is progressing rapidly and we are confident that we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident.
“As expected, specialist detectives are investigating the background of the suspect in custody and the events leading up to the attack.
“This was a horrific attack that had a widespread impact. My thoughts, and those of everyone at British Transport Police, are with those injured and their families, especially the brave railway staff whose families are supported by specialist officers.
“The actions of railway staff monitoring CCTV from the train were heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives.
“I would like to thank the public for their patience as we continue our investigation at Huntington station. We hope we can support GTR in reopening the station soon.”
“Anyone with information who has not already spoken to police is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.”
