Passengers on a train experienced sheer terror as they sought refuge in a bathroom during a shocking knife attack, according to eyewitness accounts. The alarming incident unfolded when several individuals were stabbed, leading to the arrest of two men.

The chaos erupted on a train near Huntingdon around 7:39 PM, prompting a swift response from armed law enforcement. The train, operated by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), was brought to a halt in the Cambridgeshire town, where several victims required hospital treatment.

Witnesses reported that the frightening episode commenced shortly after the train departed from Peterborough station. In a desperate attempt to stay safe, passengers reportedly hid in the toilets as one of the assailants brandished a ‘big knife.’

Amid the panic, videos circulated on social media capturing the urgency of the situation, with police vehicles rapidly converging on the scene and specialized officers making their way onto the platform.

Videos have emerged on social media showing police cars racing to the scene as special officers raced to the platform. 

Train operator LNER have issued a ‘do not travel’ warning to passengers, saying ‘disruption is expected until the end of the day’.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the ‘appalling’ incident near Huntingdon as ‘deeply concerning’. 

‘My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response,’ he said in a statement. 

Pictured: Police response after several people were stabbed on a train in the area of Huntingdon today

Pictured: Armed forces rushing to the scene where several people on a train travelling through Cambridgeshire were stabbed

Travellers reportedly hid in toilets as one suspect carried a ‘big knife’ amid the attack, witnesses said

The A1307 in the direction of the town centre has also been closed as the incident remains ongoing, Cambridgeshire Constabulary said. 

British Transport Police issued the above statement via X earlier this evening

‘Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.’

Elsewhere, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was ‘deeply saddened’ by the stabbings. 

‘My thoughts go out to all those affected. Two suspects have been immediately arrested and taken into custody,’ she said.

‘I am receiving regular updates on the investigation. I urge people to avoid comment and speculation at this early stage.’

Secretary of State Heidi Alexander echoed her colleagues’ messages while adding that she was being updated on the matter and is working closely with the BTP.

Chris Philip, the shadow Home Secretary, said: ‘Horrific scenes in Huntingdon, in what seems to be a brutal mass attack by two perpetrators,’ he said.

‘My thoughts are with all those injured or affected and the emergency services responding. 

‘The police and government should provide an update on what happened and who has been arrested as soon as possible.’ 

Local Labour councillor, Alex Bulat, voices her sympathies for those affected amid ongoing reports. 

‘Really worrying,’ she wrote to Facebook, ‘My thoughts are with the victims and their families.’ 

Armed officers rushed to the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train following reports of multiple stabbings at around 7.39pm this evening 

Two men were arrested after the train stopped at Huntingdon, and several people have been taken to the hospital

Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty also said via X: ‘I am aware of the incident and am trying to establish further information.

‘My thoughts are with the victims and those involved.’

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: ‘We are currently responding to an incident on a train to Huntingdon where multiple people have been stabbed. 

‘Officers are in attendance alongside @CambsCops and two people have been arrested.

‘Further updates will be shared here.’

An East England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We were called at 7.38pm to reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train. 

‘We mobilised a large-scale response to Huntingdon Railway Station which included numerous ambulances, tactical commanders, our Hazardous Area Response Team and critical care teams including the East Anglian Air Ambulance, Essex and Herts Air Ambulance and Magpas Air Ambulance

‘We can confirm we have transported multiple patients to hospital.’

Train firm LNER said via X: ‘Due to the emergency services dealing with an incident at Huntingdon all lines are blocked.

‘Train services running through this station may be delayed. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

‘Please check before you travel.’

Elsewhere, several train routes have been impacted, including Hull Trains to Hull and LNER trains to Lincoln, Doncaster, Leeds, Bradford Forster Square, and Harrogate. 

Thameslink trains between Horsham, Kings Cross and Peterborough have also been affected.