An evening commuter train in eastern England became the scene of a mass stabbing on 1 November, when ten people were sent to hospital — nine of them with life-threatening injuries — following an attack aboard a service travelling from Doncaster to London’s King’s Cross station.

Armed police intervened after the 6:25 pm service stopped at Huntingdon station and arrested two individuals in connection with the incident.

The train-operator, London North Eastern Railway, confirmed that services along the East Coast Main Line were halted and major disruption is expected to persist as the investigation continues.

The British Transport Police declared a “major incident” and said that counter-terrorism units are supporting enquiries, having initially activated the “Plato” code for a potential marauding attack before later standing down that designation.

Witnesses aboard the train described chaotic scenes: one passenger recounted hearing warnings of a “guy literally stabbing everyone”, and said he ended up with his hand covered in blood after leaning on a seat.

Others reported a man wielding a knife, passengers stumbling and others hiding in toilets to seek safety.

One eyewitness captured the moment when a suspect was tasered on the platform at Huntingdon by armed officers.

Political leaders voiced concern and gratitude towards first responders.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote that the incident was “deeply concerning” and thanked emergency-services personnel for their response, while local officials described the scenes as “horrendous.” Authorities have urged the public not to speculate about motives while investigations remain ongoing.

With rail services disrupted and forensic teams at the scene, police continue to examine CCTV, passenger manifests and the events that led to the violent outburst.

No fatalities have been reported so far and the identities of the injured and suspects have not been released.