Eleven passengers injured in shocking knife attack aboard London-bound train; police rule out terrorism

British police have formally charged a 32-year-old man with multiple counts of attempted murder following a brutal knife attack on a London-bound train that left 11 people injured, including two who remain in critical condition. The suspect, identified as Anthony Williams from Peterborough, was arrested after the train made an emergency stop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on Saturday evening.

Details of the Huntingdon Train Stabbing Incident

The attack occurred on a busy service traveling from Doncaster to London’s King’s Cross station, a major commuter and intercity route. The incident unfolded at approximately 7:40pm (19:40 GMT) when panicked passengers alerted authorities to a violent knife attack in progress.

British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed that officers were dispatched and arrived within eight minutes of the first distress call, responding alongside armed police units, ambulances, and even air ambulance teams. The rapid police response was crucial in apprehending the suspect and preventing further harm.

According to investigators, a knife was recovered at the scene. CCTV footage is said to have recorded a brave train crew member confronting the attacker in an attempt to protect other passengers. The crew member was critically injured in the confrontation and is undergoing hospital treatment in critical but stable condition.

Transport Minister Heidi Alexander praised the staff member’s heroic intervention, saying his quick action likely saved lives. “He literally put himself in harm’s way,” she said. “There will be people who are alive today because of his actions.”

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Suspect Faces Multiple Charges

On Monday, the BTP confirmed that Williams has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, a count of actual bodily harm (ABH), and possession of a bladed article in connection with the train attack.

Additionally, Williams faces another charge of attempted murder and possession of a bladed weapon in relation to a separate incident that took place the same day at the Pontoon Dock transit station in East London. Authorities said they are investigating the possibility of linked offences but maintain that the attacks are not being treated as acts of terrorism.

Williams is scheduled to appear before Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

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Motive Remains Unclear, Terrorism Not Suspected

The UK’s Transport Minister confirmed that the suspect was not on any security or terrorism watchlists. There is no evidence at this stage to suggest ideological motives or ties to extremist groups.

“I can tell you he was not known to counterterrorism police. He was not known to security services,” Transport Minister Heidi Alexander told Times Radio.

When asked whether the suspect had past mental health issues or relevant prior incidents, Alexander declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

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Witness Accounts Describe Panic and Chaos Onboard

Passengers who witnessed the stabbings described scenes of terror and confusion as bloodied victims spilled onto the platform at Huntingdon station.

Witnesses recalled a sudden onset of chaos, with some passengers frantically rushing to lock themselves in bathrooms and behind train doors. Others risked their safety to administer first aid.

One passenger described it as “something from a nightmare,” while another said, “It all happened so fast—people were screaming, running, covered in blood.”

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Authorities Urge Calm as Investigation Expands

British Transport Police and local law enforcement continue to review CCTV footage, interview witnesses, and gather forensic evidence. A spokesperson urged the public to “allow the justice process to unfold” and reassured travelers that increased security presence will be visible across UK rail networks in the coming days.