Severe travel disruption 'expected until end of day' after LNER train stabbings

A 'major incident' has been declared after multiple people were stabbed on board a train heading towards London, resulting in severe travel disruptions.

The shocking incident took place on Saturday, 1 November, during the LNER Azuma 18.25 service from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, to London King's Cross. Police were alerted at 7.39pm to reports that "multiple people had been stabbed on a train", and the service made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station for assistance from armed police, paramedics, air ambulances and transport police.

British Transport Police confirmed that 10 individuals were transported to hospital, with nine thought to have sustained life-threatening injuries. There have been no fatalities, and two suspects have been arrested over the stabbings.

As a result of the horrifying attack, there is disruption to the LNER, which operates East Coast Mainline services in the UK, between London Kings Cross and Peterborough today (2 November). People who were planning to travel today have been advised to check before travelling as there may be "cancellations or alterations to the services".

In an update on their website, LNER said: "The emergency services are continuing to deal with a major incident between Hitchin and Peterborough. Whilst they carry out their work some lines are still closed.

"Services between London Kings Cross and Peterborough may be cancelled, revised or delayed.

"Disruption is expected until the end of the day.

"Grand Central and Hull Trains services are not impacted."

In an update on X, formerly Twitter, LNER also stated: "Customers booked to travel today, 02 November, can defer their travel up to and including the 07 November. Please check our website for the latest advice and updates."

For the Great Northern and Thameslink services, LNER confirmed on their website: "Lines have reopened between Hitchin and Peterborough and trains which run between London Kings Cross and Peterborough will be able to run.

"However, Huntingdon station remains closed, if you wish to travel from Huntingdon, you will need to take a rail replacement bus to either St Neots or Peterborough and from there you can take a train service towards your destination. All buses are advertised on journey planners.

"If you are travelling to Huntingdon from the direction of London / Hitchin, please alight the train at St Neots where replacement buses are running. There are also rail replacement buses running from Peterborough to Huntingdon.

"Additionally, no trains in the direction of Peterborough will be able to call at Arlesey until at least 09:00."

For more information, you can check the LNER website for updates here. Alternatively, you can check the Thameslink services here and the Great Northern lines here.

Following the incident, a spokesperson for LNER said: "We are concerned for everyone affected by the incident that occurred on the 1825 service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday evening (1 November.)"

David Horne, Managing Director of LNER, said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by this serious incident, and our thoughts are very much with everyone involved.

"I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they have provided to those injured. Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is urged to contact British Transport Police.

"The safety and wellbeing of everyone affected will remain our priority. We will continue to do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues during this difficult time."

A spokesperson for the Rail, Maritime and Transport union also issued a statement: "We are horrified by the mass stabbing attack on an LNER train last night.

"Our thoughts remain with the train crew and passengers who were either at work or going about their business on a busy Saturday night during this awful incident.

"It is important we allow the emergency services and authorities to establish the full facts before commenting further."