Brave Train Staff Member Suffers Critical Wounds During Multiple Knife Attack on Express Service
A valiant train staff member who intervened to protect passengers during a multiple knife incident on a high-speed train has suffered life-threatening wounds, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Details of the Terrifying Event
Surveillance footage allegedly depicts the staff member attempting to stop the attacker as the train traveled between a city and another station in the county. Witnesses recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with injured passengers running through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Police announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Reaction and Consequences
The incident on the weekend led to 11 people being cared for in medical facilities after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five individuals have since been released from hospital.
A witness recorded the individual waving a large knife and being subdued with a stun device as he confronted officers on the station. He was reportedly heard yelling, "End my life, kill me."
“This terrible incident has affected many people. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – especially the courageous employee of rail staff whose family are being supported by specialist officers,” said a high-ranking law enforcement official.
Labor Reaction and Calls for Measures
Rail unions were quick to commend employees and demand increased action. One union leader said he would be “seeking immediate meetings with authorities, rail employers and police to ensure that we have the best available assistance, resources and effective protocols in place”.
A different union leader urged the rail company and government “to move swiftly to examine security, to support the impacted workers, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.
Operator Commended for Quick Action
The operator who stopped the service at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by union representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not stop the service in the middle of two stops where it’s obviously difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the response was almost waiting,” stated a union representative.
Further Information
Police stated they got the initial emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted at first thinking if the situation was a holiday prank, but quickly realized from individuals' expressions that it was real.
Authorities have confirmed there is nothing to indicate the incident was a terror-related attack and have requested the community to come forward with any additional information.
Rail services on the impacted line are expected to have delays until Monday, with travelers advised to postpone their travel where possible.
Anyone with details that could help the inquiry are asked to reach authorities by texting a specific number with a case code.
