A major train disruption occurred late on Saturday after multiple passengers were stabbed aboard an LNER service to Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. The shocking incident brought train services across the region to a halt, prompting an urgent response from British Transport Police and local emergency services.
The LNER website confirmed the ongoing emergency, stating that “emergency services are dealing with an incident between Stevenage and Peterborough.”
Police Confirm Arrests After Huntingdon Train Incident
According to Cambridgeshire Police, the stabbing incident happened around 7:39 PM. Armed officers immediately responded to the emergency call and stopped the train at Huntingdon station, where two men were arrested.
“We were called at 7.39pm with reports that multiple people had been stabbed on a train. Armed officers attended and the train was stopped at Huntingdon, where two men were arrested. A number of people have been taken to hospital. The incident remains ongoing and the A1307 has been closed as you approach the town centre,” said a police spokesperson in a statement to The Sun.
Emergency services remain on-site, and several roads near Huntingdon town centre have been closed as part of ongoing police operations.
Train Lines Closed and Major Delays Reported
The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that all lines were closed between Stevenage and Peterborough as officers worked to manage the scene.
“Trains running between these stations may be delayed by up to 60 minutes or revised. Major disruption is expected until the end of the day,” the BTP said.
Thameslink also announced that Huntingdon Station has been closed indefinitely:
“Huntingdon station is closed and no trains will call here in either direction until further notice,” the company said in a statement.
LNER Urges Passengers to Postpone Travel
Following the incident, LNER issued travel advice urging passengers to cancel or defer their travel plans where possible. The company said that while a limited number of services are operating, priority will be given to those already in transit.
Passengers are being allowed to use their tickets on several alternative train services without extra cost.
Alternative Travel Options for Passengers
LNER confirmed that passengers affected by the Huntingdon train stabbing and service disruption can use their tickets on the following routes:
- Avanti West Coast – between London Euston and Manchester
- TransPennine Express – between Manchester, Leeds, and York/Newcastle
- ScotRail – between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley
- Northern – between Carlisle and Newcastle
- East Midlands Railway (EMR) – between London St Pancras, Leicester, and Sheffield
- CrossCountry – between Sheffield, Doncaster/Leeds, York, and Newcastle/Edinburgh
- Greater Anglia – between London Liverpool Street, Stevenage, and Peterborough
- Great Northern and Thameslink – between London Kings Cross, Stevenage, and Peterborough
Passengers are advised to check live service updates through National Rail or their train operator’s website before travelling.
Investigation Ongoing
The British Transport Police and Cambridgeshire Police are conducting a joint investigation into the Huntingdon train stabbing. While details about the motive and number of victims remain unclear, authorities have confirmed that two suspects are in custody and that the situation is “under control.”
Officials are urging witnesses to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigation.
