LONDON — A tragic incident unfolded on a train bound for London on Saturday evening, leaving ten individuals hospitalized, with nine facing life-threatening injuries. In the wake of this mass stabbing attack, British police have initiated a thorough investigation, with counter-terrorism units now involved.

The British Transport Police, responsible for maintaining security on the railways, have taken the lead in this critical response. In a statement released early Sunday, they confirmed the arrest of two individuals connected to the violent attack.

“Ten people have been taken to hospital, with nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries,” the statement revealed. The authorities have classified this as a major incident, and the support of Counter Terrorism Policing is crucial as they work to uncover the motivations and details surrounding this alarming event.

The response to the attack was swift, with the invocation of “Plato,” a national code for potential marauding terror attacks, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Although this declaration has since been rescinded, the motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Chief Superintendent Chris Casey emphasized the urgency and complexity of the ongoing investigation. “We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened,” he stated, noting that it would take time before any further details could be confirmed. At this preliminary stage, speculating on the causes of the incident would be inappropriate, leaving many questions yet to be answered.

The attack took place as the Doncaster to London King’s Cross train headed south toward Huntingdon, a market town a few miles northwest of the university city of Cambridge.

Emergency services, including armed police and air ambulances, responded quickly as the train drew into Huntingdon. The attack appears to have been contained swiftly after the train arrived at the station, and police officers wearing forensic suits, with a police dog, could be seen on the platform.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary, the local police force, said armed police attended the incident 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.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his “thoughts are with all those affected” after the “appalling incident.”

Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said he had heard of “horrendous scenes” on the train.

London North Eastern Railway, or LNER, which operates the East Coast Mainline services in the U.K., confirmed the incident had happened on one of its trains and urged passengers not to travel because of “major disruption.”

This is developing news.