UK: Doncaster–King's Cross Train Stabbing Not Treated as Terrorism — Two British-born Men Arrested

Police say Doncaster–King's Cross train stabbing is not being treated as terrorism

British police have said there is currently no evidence to suggest Saturday evening’s mass stabbing on a train from Doncaster to London King’s Cross was a terrorist act. Investigators continue to treat the incident as a major crime while two victims remain in life‑threatening condition in hospital.

Arrests and timeline
Two men, both born in the UK, were arrested in connection with the incident. British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless said one suspect is a 32‑year‑old Black British national and the other a 35‑year‑old British national of Caribbean descent. Officers received the first emergency call at approximately 7:42 p.m. local time and the two suspects were detained within eight minutes after the train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station.

Casualties and response
Ten people were taken to hospital by ambulance and a further person later presented to medical services that evening. By Sunday morning, two victims remained in life‑threatening condition, police said. Armed officers were deployed to Huntingdon and counter‑terrorism teams had initially been notified to assist, though Loveless stressed: "At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident." He added it would be inappropriate to speculate on motive while inquiries continue.

“At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident.” — British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless

Eyewitness accounts
Passengers described chaotic and frightening scenes. Wren Chambers told the BBC she heard screaming before seeing a man run past with a deep wound to his arm. "At first I thought it was like some sort of Halloween prank," she said, before realising the seriousness of the situation. Another passenger who gave his name as Gavin told Sky News he saw an "extremely bloodied" victim and believed a suspect was tasered before being taken into custody.

Official reactions
Senior figures expressed shock and sympathy. King Charles offered his "deepest sympathies" to those affected, saying he was "truly appalled and shocked" by the attack. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his "thoughts are with all those affected," and Defence Secretary John Healey described the episode as an "isolated attack" in a Sky News interview.

Context
The incident occurred on the East Coast Main Line, one of the UK's busiest inter‑city rail routes, which links London King's Cross with cities including Doncaster and Edinburgh Waverley. Police continue to investigate and are working to establish the full circumstances and any motive.

Updates will follow as authorities release further information.