A horrifying stabbing attack on a London North Eastern Railway train has left eleven people injured, two of them in critical condition. The incident happened on Saturday evening as the train was travelling from Doncaster to London. Police confirmed that two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The attack began shortly after the train left Peterborough. Witnesses said panic broke out when a man began attacking passengers with a knife. The driver made an emergency stop at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, where armed police boarded the train and detained the suspects within minutes.

According to British Transport Police, the first emergency call came in around 7.39 pm. The suspects, both British men aged 32 and 35, were arrested about eight minutes later. Officers said their quick response helped prevent more casualties. Counterterrorism police assisted in the operation but later confirmed that there is no evidence to suggest a terror motive.

Passengers described chaos and fear inside the carriage. Some said they heard screams before people started running toward the front of the train. Others tried to hide in toilets or crouched behind seats while a few passengers rushed to help those who were injured. One eyewitness told reporters it was “pure panic” and that blood was visible on the floors and seats.

After police took control of the scene, the injured were treated by paramedics on the platform before being taken to nearby hospitals. Four of the victims have since been released, while two remain in life threatening condition. The train, which had left Doncaster earlier in the evening, was taken out of service as investigators began collecting evidence.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the attack “appalling” and said his thoughts are with the victims and their families. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was deeply saddened by the violence and urged the public to avoid speculation while police continue their investigation. King Charles also sent a message of sympathy, saying he was shocked to hear of the tragedy and grateful for the swift response of emergency services.

The incident caused major disruption to train services between London King’s Cross and northern cities such as Doncaster and Leeds. The operator, LNER, said it was supporting police with the investigation and extended ticket validity to help passengers affected by cancellations and delays.

Detectives are still working to establish a motive for the attack. They are reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining whether the suspects had any prior connection to each other or to the victims. Police have confirmed that both men remain in custody and are being questioned by investigators in Cambridgeshire.

The attack has reignited concern about rising knife violence in the United Kingdom. Official data shows knife related crimes have almost doubled over the past decade, with campaigners calling for stronger action to tackle weapon possession and improve public safety on public transport.

As the investigation continues, the community of Huntingdon has expressed support for the victims and gratitude for the fast response from emergency workers. Police have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or captured video footage to come forward.

For now, the focus remains on the injured passengers and their recovery after what has been described as one of the most shocking acts of violence to take place on a UK train in years.

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