Huntingdon train stabbings: The 5 huge new pieces of information | UK | News
A 32-year-old man is being held on suspicion of attempted murder following a mass stabbing attack on an LNER train from Doncaster to London. The man, a British citizen, is now considered the only suspect after the incident on Saturday evening.
The King’s Cross-bound service was diverted to Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire; An eyewitness here described people leaving the train “covered in blood”. There was a major emergency services response to the station, with British Transport Police (BTP) declaring it a major incident. The force, which previously said there was “nothing” to suggest this was a terrorist attack, has now issued a major update on its investigation.
Here’s what we know so far:
Suspect boarded train in Peterborough
BTP said the unnamed suspect was from Peterborough and boarded the train at Peterborough station, which stopped at 7.30pm.
The force had previously said the 32-year-old was a black British citizen.
He is considered the only suspect in the attack.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “We are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“As expected, specialist detectives are investigating the background of the suspect we have in custody and the events leading up to the attack.”
Police recovered a knife at the scene, police said.
Throughout Sunday, investigators remained at Huntingdon station, about 17 miles from Peterborough station.
One person was released
A 35-year-old London man who was arrested at the scene was also released without further action.
Released man falsely accused of involvement ‘in good faith’
BTP said the 35-year-old was not involved in the attack but that the incident was reported “in good faith”.
The statement said: “The police officers who responded to the incident were informed in good faith that he was involved in the attack and following investigations we can confirm that he was not involved in this incident.”
A victim staff member still fighting for his life
While 10 people were taken to hospital by ambulance after the attack, another person was taken to hospital later on Saturday evening.
Nine people were initially thought to have life-threatening injuries.
Five injured people have now been discharged from hospital, but the life of one person, a member of LNER railway staff who was on the train at the time, remains in danger.
‘Brave train worker’s actions saved many lives’
According to BTP, the man, who is still fighting for his life in the hospital, tried to stop the attacker and “undoubtedly” saved many lives.
Praising the “brave” man’s actions, Deputy Chief Constable Cundy said: “The actions of the railway staff who viewed the CCTV from the train were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives.”
Deputy Chief Constable Cundy added that the man’s name had not been released and his family was being supported by specialist police.
LNER chief executive David Horne said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday’s incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, especially our colleague and their families whose lives remain in danger.
“I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they provided to the injured. I would also like to thank the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and rapid response.”
