Huntingdon train stabbings: Man, 32, treated as only suspect as 'hero' LNER staff member fights for life

David Horne, managing director, said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday’s incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition, and their family.

“I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they provided to those injured.

“I would also like to recognise the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions.

“This is a deeply upsetting incident. Over the coming days we will continue to co-operate with the authorities involved and will do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues during this very difficult time."

Meanwhile a Kensington Palace spokesperson told reporters William and Kate said their thoughts are with the families and friends of all those impacted by the stabbings, and with the first responders and train staff who "acted so swiftly."

The LNER driver who diverted the train to Huntingdon after being made aware of a stabbing on board has been identified as a war veteran.

Andrew Johnson, from Peterborough, became a driver in 2018 after serving in the Royal Navy for 17 years while also being deployed Iraq in 2003 during the second Gulf War, The Telegraph understands.

A neighbour told the newspaper: "He's a nice guy. I’ve known him for a while."

"If he did the right thing and stopped the train, that's a massive thing and he's probably helped save some people’s lives," he told The Telegraph.

"It's a pretty bold thing to do. You don’t know what’s going on [in the carriage] if you’re a train driver."

A LNER member of staff on board the train remains in a life-threatening condition, police have said.

It comes as officers confirmed a 32-year-old man from peterborough remains in custody as the only suspect under arrest on suspicion of attempted murder.

Another man, 35, from London, was arrested but has since been released without charge.

Five casualties have been discharged from hospital but one remains in a life-threatening condition.

The staff member was at work at the time and tried to stop the attacker, British Transport Police have said.

Nottingham Forest has said its thoughts are with fans as it emerges 'many of its London-based supporters' were on board.

The club's owner Evangelos Marinakis expressed their shock and sadness.

A statement on social media read: "Nottingham Forest Football Club wishes to express its deepest concern and heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the shocking attack on an LNER train bound for London yesterday evening. 

"Many of our London-based supporters were travelling home on that train following our match at the City Ground, and our thoughts are very much with everyone caught up in such a distressing incident. 

"The Club is aware that many individuals demonstrated extraordinary bravery which undoubtedly helped prevent even greater harm. 

"The entire Nottingham Forest family stands firmly behind them as they recover from the events of yesterday. 

Evangelos Marinakis, Nottingham Forest’s owner, said: “Everyone at Nottingham Forest is shocked and deeply saddened by what happened. 

"The courage and selflessness shown by our supporters on that train represents the very best of humanity and the very best of our club’s community. 

"We will make sure any supporter caught up in this incident receives whatever financial support they require to enable them to access the best possible medical care as they recover. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected."

Transport Salaried Staff's Association general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust said: “This is an appalling attack on passengers and rail workers alike.

“Our immediate priority is for the welfare of the injured and all those traumatised by what has happened.

“Transport networks must be safe for everyone, both the travelling public and the staff who serve them.

“We call on the operator and Government to act swiftly to review security, to support the affected workers and to ensure nothing like this happens again.”

Extra police officers will be deployed across the rail network following the knife attack near Huntingdon, Government sources said.

They said a “surge” in police presence will take place until at least Tuesday, likely to be focused on major terminals such as London, Birmingham, York, Leeds and Manchester, as well as at Huntingdon.

The police officers are likely to be most visible in London and at Huntingdon, but will be deployed across as much of the rail network as possible.

There will also be a visible police presence on trains on the east coast mainline, with sources saying officers usually focus on stations but it was “important to reassure passengers”.

The Transport Secretary said passengers would see “a high visibility presence” of police at railway stations and on trains on Sunday “to reassure the public”.

Heidi Alexander said: “My thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the shocking incident in Huntingdon last night, especially those still in hospital today.

“I’d like to pay enormous tribute to the staff and officers who responded, and the public for their patience and cooperation.

“I am receiving regular updates from the British Transport Police who are leading the response to this awful incident, as well as LNER and other organisations involved.

“Trains are now running in the area, however Huntingdon station remains closed with trains passing through.

“Passengers will see a high visibility presence of officers at stations and on trains throughout today who are there to reassure the public.”

Passengers who protected others during a knife attack on a train near Huntingdon “embody the best of Britain”, Sir Ed Davey has said.

The Liberal Democrat leader said: “I am horrified by the dreadful attack on passengers aboard the train near Huntingdon.

“My thoughts are with all those affected: the victims who we are all praying will pull through, their loved ones and everyone who witnessed such a shocking event.

“At a moment of such fear and chaos, we also saw extraordinary bravery. The stories of passengers who stepped forward to protect others embody the very best of Britain, a country where ordinary people stand together in the face of danger, look out for one another, and refuse to be cowed by violence.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those individuals, to the emergency services who responded so swiftly, and to all those now caring for the injured.

“As the investigation continues, we must ensure justice is done and that every effort is made to keep the public safe.”

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood paid tribute to the bravery of staff and passengers on the train and confirmed the attack was not being treated as terrorism.

She wrote on social media: “After last night’s horrific attack, my thoughts today are with the victims, their friends and family.

“My deepest thanks go to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service. They responded rapidly, with the utmost professionalism and saved lives.

“I would also like to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train.

“We now know this attack is not being treated as terrorism, and that two British-born, British nationals have been arrested.

“The investigation is ongoing, and I am receiving regular updates from the police.”

The King and Queen have expressed their "deepest sympathy and thoughts" with those affected by the incident.

King Charles said in a statement: "My wife and I were truly appalled and shocked to hear of the dreadful knife attack that took place on board a train in Cambridgeshire last night. 

"Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all those affected, and their loved ones.

"We are particularly grateful to the emergency services for their response to this awful incident."