A terrifying knife attack unfolded onboard a train traveling from Peterborough toward London, leaving ten people hospitalized after a suspect wielded a large blade and attacked passengers in a rapid spree. During the assault, an older man acted swiftly to block the assailant targeting a young girl—sustaining serious head and neck injuries while doing so.
The attack began shortly after the train departed Peterborough. Witnesses described how fellow passengers initially believed the disturbance was a prank, until a man shouted for them to “run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone.” Blood splattered chairs and the floor, and people ran through carriages, sought refuge in toilets, and worked to assist the wounded.
One witness recalled reaching the carriage’s end and seeing the older man press his handkerchief tightly over his wound while having her young daughter comforted nearby. The hero’s quick intervention likely stopped a much worse outcome.
Armed police responded when the train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon station, where officers tasered and arrested a 32-year-old British national. Initially, a second man was also held but was later released after investigators found no role in the attack. Authorities confirmed that the incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Ten people were taken to hospital; of those, nine were noted as suffering life-threatening injuries. Several have since been discharged. The rail operator and law enforcement praised the bravery of both passengers and staff, especially the man who shielded the girl, whose actions were described as “nothing short of heroic.”
