Brave Rail Staff Member Suffers Severe Injuries Amid Multiple Stabbing Incident on Express Train
A courageous railway employee who stepped in to protect passengers during a multiple stabbing attack on a express train has sustained life-threatening injuries, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Event
Surveillance video reportedly depicts the staff member attempting to stop the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with injured passengers fleeing through compartments.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Authorities declared a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Reaction and Aftermath
The incident on Saturday night led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several people have since been discharged from hospital.
A witness filmed the individual brandishing a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced officers on the platform. He was allegedly heard yelling, "End my life, end my life."
“This terrible incident has affected many people. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – particularly the brave employee of rail staff whose family are being supported by specialist officers,” stated a high-ranking police officer.
Labor Response and Calls for Measures
Rail associations were swift to praise staff and demand increased measures. One union official said he would be “requesting urgent meetings with authorities, train companies and police to guarantee that we have the best possible assistance, resources and effective protocols in operation”.
A different union representative urged the rail company and authorities “to act quickly to review safety, to support the affected employees, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.
Operator Praised for Quick Thinking
The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was reported as being “very shaken” but “good”, and has been commended by association representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He didn’t stop the service in the center of two stations where it’s clearly challenging for the first responders to reach, but he carried on going until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much waiting,” explained a association official.
Additional Information
Police stated they received the first distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer described initially wondering if the situation was a Halloween prank, but quickly realized from people's faces that it was real.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the event was a terror-related incident and have requested the public to provide with any further information.
Rail operations on the affected route are expected to have delays until Monday, with passengers advised to postpone their journeys where feasible.
Anyone with details that could help the inquiry are asked to reach police by texting a designated number with a reference code.