Heroic Rail Employee Suffers Life-Threatening Wounds Amid Mass Knife Attack on Express Service

A brave train employee who stepped in to save travelers during a mass knife incident on a express train has sustained critical wounds, authorities stated on Sunday.

Details of the Frightening Incident

CCTV footage reportedly shows the staff member trying to halt the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders recounted a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through compartments.

The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Police declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.

Crisis Reaction and Aftermath

The incident on the weekend led to 11 people being cared for in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several people have now been released from hospital.

A witness recorded the individual brandishing a large knife and being shot with a Taser as he faced police on the platform. He was allegedly heard shouting, "End my life, end my life."

“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the brave member of train personnel whose relatives are being assisted by trained officers,” said a senior law enforcement official.

Labor Response and Calls for Measures

Rail unions were swift to praise staff and demand increased action. A labor leader stated he would be “seeking immediate meetings with government, train companies and police to ensure that we have the best possible assistance, tools and robust procedures in place”.

A different association representative encouraged the rail company and government “to move quickly to review security, to support the impacted employees, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.

Driver Praised for Quick Action

The operator who halted the train at Huntingdon was reported as being “very shaken” but “good”, and has been praised by association officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.

“The driver did not halt the service in the middle of two stops where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to reach, but he continued traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much waiting,” explained a union representative.

Further Information

Police said they received the first emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

An witness recounted at first wondering if the situation was a Halloween joke, but quickly understood from individuals' faces that it was real.

Authorities have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terror-related incident and have requested the community to come forward with any further details.

Train services on the affected line are expected to experience disruption until Monday, with passengers advised to defer their journeys where feasible.

Anyone with details that could help the investigation are asked to reach police by texting a designated number with a case code.

Kelli Murphy
Kelli Murphy

A passionate historian and science enthusiast with a knack for storytelling and uncovering hidden truths.