2 arrested after mass stabbing on UK train leaves 9 critically injured

British police have detained two suspects following a mass stabbing on a London-bound train that left nine passengers with life-threatening injuries and one other hospitalized, authorities said on Sunday.

The attack occurred Saturday evening on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service traveling from Doncaster to King’s Cross. The train made an emergency stop at Huntingdon Station in Cambridgeshire, where armed police apprehended two suspects as bloodied and terrified passengers fled the carriages.

British Transport Police described the incident as a “major event” and confirmed that counterterrorism officers are assisting with the investigation to determine the motive.

“Ten people have been taken to hospital, nine of whom are believed to have sustained life-threatening injuries,” police said in a statement. The emergency response included armed units, paramedics, and air ambulances.

Authorities briefly initiated “Plato,” the national alert for a possible terror-related attack, before later rescinding it. Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said it was too early to speculate on what triggered the violence.

Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes onboard, with passengers shouting “run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone.” Some initially thought it was a Halloween prank before realizing the gravity of the situation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed sympathy for the victims, calling it an “appalling incident,” while Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor Paul Bristow said he had been informed of “horrendous scenes” on the train.

LNER confirmed the incident involved one of its trains and warned of major disruptions along the East Coast Mainline route until Monday as investigations continue.

Police said the suspects remain in custody while inquiries into the motive and sequence of events are ongoing.