In full: Police hold press conference after Huntingdon train stabbing

Key Concepts

• Incident at Huntington Station: A series of stabbings that occurred on a train service.
• British Transport Police (BTP): The primary investigating agency.
• Major Incident Declaration: A status declared by BTP due to the severity of the event.
• Counterterrorism Policing: Initially involved but later stated there's no indication of terrorism.
• Attempted Murder: The suspicion under which the two arrested individuals were taken into custody.
• 999 Call: The emergency call that initiated the police response.
• 999 Call Response Time: Within 8 minutes of the call, two men were arrested.
• Victim Injuries: 10 people taken to hospital, one self-presented. Initially, nine were believed to have life-threatening injuries, but two remain in a life-threatening condition.
• Suspects: Two men, aged 32 and 35, both born in the UK. The 32-year-old is a Black British national, and the 35-year-old is of Caribbean descent.
• Public Reassurance: Increased police presence on stations and trains.
• Public Appeal: Request for anyone with information to contact BTP.

Incident Overview and Timeline

On the evening of November 1st, 2025, at approximately 7:42 p.m., calls were made to the police service reporting multiple stabbings on a train service. This train had departed Doncaster at 6:25 p.m. and was en route to London King's Cross Station.

Police Response and Arrests

Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) and paramedics immediately attended Huntington Station. Armed police officers from Cambridge Police boarded the train and, within 8 minutes of the initial 999 call, arrested two individuals. These two men remain in police custody this morning.

Suspect Details

The two arrested individuals are:

• A 32-year-old male, a Black British national.
• A 35-year-old man, a British national of Caribbean descent. Both were born in the United Kingdom and were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They are currently being held in separate police stations for questioning.

Victim Impact and Medical Status

A total of 10 people were taken to hospital by ambulance. An additional person self-presented to the hospital later that evening. While nine individuals were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries, following assessment and treatment, they have been discharged. However, two patients currently remain in a life-threatening condition.

Investigation Status and Agency Involvement

British Transport Police declared a major incident. Counterterrorism policing provided initial support to the investigation. However, at this stage, there is "nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident." The investigation is being led by BTP, who are working to establish the full circumstances and motivations behind the incident. Speculation on the cause is deemed inappropriate at this early stage.

Public Presence and Reassurance

Huntington Station remained closed this morning, though trains are expected to pass through. Passengers will observe a high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains throughout the day across the transport network. This presence is intended to reassure the public and address any concerns.

Acknowledgements and Public Appeal

Superintendent John Loveless expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation, which has significantly assisted the investigation. Thanks were also extended to multi-agency response partners and blue light services, including Cambridge Police, the East of England Ambulance Service, Cambridge Fire and Rescue Service, and Counterterrorism Policing.

A public appeal has been made for anyone with information, regardless of perceived significance, who has not yet spoken to the police, to make contact. Information can be provided by texting British Transport Police on 6116, quoting reference 663 of November 1st, 2025.

Conclusion

The incident at Huntington Station involved multiple stabbings, resulting in significant injuries. BTP is leading the investigation, with no current indication of terrorism. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and the police are appealing for further information from the public. Enhanced police presence is in place to ensure public safety and reassurance.