Brave Rail Staff Member Suffers Severe Injuries Amid Multiple Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Train
A courageous train staff member who intervened to save travelers during a multiple knife incident on a express train has suffered critical wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Incident
Surveillance footage allegedly depicts the staff member trying to halt the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in Cambridgeshire. Bystanders described a frightening 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with bloodied victims running through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Police announced a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Reaction and Consequences
The incident on the weekend resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several individuals have since been released from medical care.
A witness filmed the suspect waving a big knife and being shot with a stun device as he confronted officers on the platform. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – especially the courageous member of rail staff whose family are being assisted by trained officers,” said a high-ranking police official.
Union Response and Appeals for Action
Rail unions were quick to praise staff and demand more action. A labor leader stated he would be “requesting immediate discussions with authorities, rail employers and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the strongest possible assistance, resources and effective protocols in place”.
Another union representative urged the train operator and government “to move swiftly to review security, to support the impacted employees, and to ensure nothing like this happens again”.
Driver Commended for Rapid Action
The train driver who stopped the service at Huntingdon was reported as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by association representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver didn’t stop the train in the middle of two stops where it’s clearly difficult for the emergency services to access, but he continued traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” explained a union representative.
Further Details
Authorities said they received the initial emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted at first thinking if the situation was a holiday prank, but quickly understood from people's expressions that it was real.
Police have stated there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terrorist attack and have asked the public to come forward with any further information.
Rail operations on the affected line are anticipated to experience disruption until the following day, with travelers recommended to defer their travel where possible.
Anyone with details that could help the inquiry are asked to reach police by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.