Nine Hospitalised with Life‑Threatening Injuries After Stabbing on Doncaster–London Train; Two Arrested

Nine people seriously injured after stabbing on Doncaster–King’s Cross service

Nine people sustained life‑threatening injuries late on Saturday after a stabbing on a passenger train travelling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, British Transport Police (BTP) said. A total of 10 people were taken to hospital; no fatalities have been reported.

Arrests and police response

BTP declared a major incident and said two people were arrested after the train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station. Counterterrorism officers are supporting the investigation. Police initially activated the national codeword "Plato" — used for a marauding terrorist attack — but later rescinded that declaration as enquiries continued.

Officers were called at 7:42 p.m. after reports of the attack. Armed officers were deployed to the scene and witnesses reported seeing a suspect detained, with one eyewitness saying a Taser was used.

Witness accounts

“A minute or so later a man… was running down with a very clear wound, bleeding quite badly on his arm,” passenger Wren Chambers told the BBC. “I thought it was like some sort of Halloween prank at first. But then he’s shouting that someone’s got a knife, he was stabbed.”

Other witnesses described chaotic scenes inside the train: bloodied victims, passengers fleeing down the carriages and at least one passenger who stepped in to protect a young girl and was injured. Social media footage showed a bloodied person leaving Huntingdon station and numerous emergency vehicles gathered outside.

Official statements and emergency response

British Transport Police Chief Superintendent Chris Casey called the incident “shocking” and said urgent enquiries were under way. “It could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further,” he added, warning against speculation.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his thoughts were with those affected and thanked emergency services for their response. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said she was “deeply saddened” and urged the public not to speculate while investigations continue. Defence Secretary John Healey described the event as appearing to be an “isolated attack.”

Emergency services mounted a large‑scale response that included air ambulances. The East of England Ambulance Service said it deployed numerous ambulances, tactical commanders, its Hazardous Area Response Team and critical care teams.

Travel disruption

London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which operates services on the East Coast Main Line, warned of “major disruption across the LNER route” and advised passengers: “Do Not Travel. Please defer your travel where you can.” The East Coast Main Line links London King’s Cross with major cities in the north, including Edinburgh.

What happens next

Police said they had detained two people but had not released further details more than 12 hours after the incident. Enquiries are ongoing and authorities have appealed for public patience as they seek to establish the full circumstances and any motive. At this stage it is not yet clear what charges, if any, will be brought.

Note: Knife crime statistics were mentioned in initial reporting to provide wider context; investigations into this incident are ongoing and specifics will be determined by investigators and prosecutors.