At least 10 people were grievously injured on Saturday night during a mass stabbing attack on a London-bound train. The incident took place near Cambridge in the UK and two individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack. The British police have since declared it a ‘major incident’ — with counter-terrorism police now supporting the investigation.
“Ten people have been taken to hospital with 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 British Transport Police said in a statement.
Visuals shared online from the site showed heavy police presence and panic on the streets. Police vehicles were approaching with high beams switched on while several people stood on the side. Reports suggest that the attack was contained swiftly after the train arrived at Huntingdon — a market town close to the university city of Cambridge. Emergency services, including armed police and air ambulances, were quick to arrive on the scene shortly after being alerted around 7:30 pm local time.
“The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning. My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response. Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police,” urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the local police force, said armed police attended after officers were called to the scene at Huntingdon station at 7:39 p.m. on Saturday. It added that the two people were arrested at the station, which is around 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of London.