Two British men arrested for attempted murder as police rule out terrorism

Nine people were initially believed to be in a critical condition, following the bloody rampage on a high-speed train on Saturday evening, however, British Transport Police (BTP) have said that four people have been discharged and two people remain in a life-threatening condition.

Two men are currently being held in custody on suspicion of attempted murder; they are a 32-year-old black British national and a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent, police said.

Superintendent John Loveless told reporters at the scene in Huntingdon: “It’s a shocking incident and first and foremost, my thoughts are with the family and friends those who have been affected and those who are injured.

“Approximately 7.42pm yesterday evening, there were calls to the police service in relation to multiple stabbings which took place on board a train service."

Read more: King and Queen 'truly appalled and shocked' by Huntingdon train stabbing

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“The train departed Doncaster at 6.25pm, and was en route to London King’s Cross Station.

“Officers immediately attended Huntington station alongside paramedics, where armed police officers from Cambridgeshire police boarded the train and arrested two people within eight minutes of the 999 call being made.

“Two men were brought into police custody, where they remain this morning.

“I can tell you that these are: the first male, a 32-year-old male, a black British national and a 35-year-old man, a British national of Caribbean descent, they were both arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

“As stated, they remain this morning in separate police stations for questioning.”

Counter-terrorism police had initially supported the operation but Superintendent Loveless said the incident was now not being treated as terrorism-related.

He said: “British Transport Police declared a major incident yesterday, and counter-terrorism policing were initially supporting our investigation.

“However, at this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident.

“This is a British Transport Police investigation, and we continue to work to establish at pace, the full circumstances and the motivations that have led to this incident.

“At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the cause of this incident.”

The King and Queen are among those who 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."

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also 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.”

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey focused on the "very best of Britain" in the "bravery" of some of those on the train:

"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."

Conservative Party leader Badenoch initially posted on X last night to say: "Deeply disturbed by the reports emerging from Huntingdon. This is an absolutely horrific attack and my thoughts are with all those affected including the emergency responders at the scene."

She posted again today, sharing a video, and adding "there's clearly something going wrong in our society right now".

This morning, Huntingdon MP Ben Obese-Jecty also paid his respects to the victims: “I have been on site at Huntingdon Station since 2110hrs liaising with emergency services and news media following the Major Incident.

“Shortly after 12am this morning I met with the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Simon Megicks, at Huntingdon Police Station regarding the attack that took place on Saturday evening on the 18.25 LNER train from Doncaster to London Kings Cross.

“The attack occurred after the train left Peterborough and made the unscheduled stop at Huntingdon following the attack.

“Police responded in minutes from the 999 call under Operation Plato and the first officers on the scene were Cambridgeshire Constabulary Response Officers, then backed up by Firearms Officers shortly afterwards.

“I would like to pay tribute to the incredible and immediate response of the emergency services, particularly the Response Officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary who were first to arrive on the scene with the suspect still armed and at large."

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Paul Bristow made similar remarks, thanking the emergency services in particular: “I am shocked and deeply concerned by this extremely serious incident on a train which was stopped in Huntingdon this evening. My first thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.

“I want to thank the emergency services, including the police, ambulance crews, and critical care teams, who are responding in what appear to be distressing circumstances.

“Our community will rightly be anxious tonight, and I am seeking further information with relevant authorities as the situation becomes clearer.

“I know people across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will join me in keeping all those impacted in our thoughts.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also released the following statement: “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.”