Mass Stabbing on Doncaster to London Train Leaves Ten Injured

Published: 02 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Passengers travelling on a Doncaster to London train were left horrified on Saturday evening after a mass stabbing incident on board left ten people injured, nine of them reportedly with life-threatening wounds. The attack took place on the 18:25 GMT London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to King’s Cross station, sparking a major emergency response and a police investigation involving counter-terrorism units.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident unfolded shortly after the train passed through Peterborough in Cambridgeshire. At least one individual armed with a knife began attacking passengers, creating widespread panic as people ran through carriages attempting to escape. Police received urgent calls from passengers at around 19:40 GMT, alerting authorities to the ongoing attack. The train was forced to make an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, approximately 15 minutes from Peterborough, where armed police boarded and arrested two individuals. Their identities have not yet been released.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and frightening. Olly Foster, a passenger, recalled hearing shouts of, “Run, there’s a guy stabbing literally everyone and everything.” Initially, he thought it might be some kind of Halloween-style prank. He witnessed an older man with severe gashes on his head and neck who had intervened to protect a younger passenger. Fellow travelers reportedly used their jackets to try to staunch the bleeding while others sought safety in nearby train carriages. Wren Chambers, another passenger, described seeing one person who had been stabbed in the arm bolt down the train to alert others, while another shouted, “Someone’s got a knife.” Some passengers hid inside the toilets while others surged toward the front of the train to escape the attacker.

At Huntingdon station, witnesses reported a scene of further chaos. London Underground worker Dean McFarlane described seeing multiple injured people running down the platform, including one man in a white shirt who was “completely covered in blood.” Emergency services, including air ambulances and medical personnel, were rapidly deployed to the scene to provide immediate assistance to the victims. The British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident and later clarified that they had briefly invoked the national “Plato” code used for marauding terror attacks. Counter-terrorism officers have since joined the investigation to establish the full circumstances and motivations behind the attack.

Chief Superintendent Chris Casey emphasized that investigations are ongoing, stating: “We are conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further. At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.”

The attack has drawn widespread attention from political leaders. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer condemned the incident, describing it as “appalling” and “deeply concerning.” He extended his thoughts to all those affected and expressed gratitude to the emergency services for their prompt and professional response. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood confirmed that she is receiving regular updates on the investigation and urged the public to avoid comment or speculation at this stage. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also expressed her shock, calling it an “absolutely horrific attack” and offering her thoughts for both the victims and the emergency responders on the scene.

The impact of the attack extended beyond the immediate victims. LNER warned of delays across the East of England and London train network on Sunday, affecting other services and operators. Passengers holding unused Thameslink tickets from Saturday were informed that these would remain valid for travel on Sunday. LNER Managing Director David Horne released a statement expressing his deep shock and sadness over the incident and thanking emergency services for their “quick and professional” response.

Passengers on the train described an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty that lingered long after the incident. Many recounted running from carriage to carriage to escape the attacker, while others attempted to assist those who were wounded. The attack, which lasted approximately 10 to 15 minutes, has left many travelers traumatised. Some passengers who were uninjured were interviewed by police and later transported to London by coach. Others struggled to comprehend the sudden violence they had witnessed in what should have been a routine journey.

The incident has also reignited concerns about safety on UK trains. While mass stabbings on trains are rare, officials and experts emphasize the importance of vigilance and robust emergency response protocols. Police and rail authorities are reviewing security measures and procedures to ensure that passengers feel safe while travelling. Meanwhile, counter-terrorism officers continue to examine the incident, including any potential connections or motives behind the attack.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of the injured or the suspects, and the investigation remains at an early stage. As details continue to emerge, police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the attack to come forward. Meanwhile, public figures, community leaders, and rail operators have reiterated the importance of accurate reporting and caution against speculation, highlighting the sensitive nature of the investigation.

This horrific incident has left both passengers and wider communities across the UK shaken. It is a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the critical role of emergency services in responding to such attacks. The response from armed officers, medical personnel, and first responders has been widely praised for saving lives and preventing further harm. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the attack and to support those affected.