Officers deployed tasers against a suspect wielding a large blade during what witnesses described as a violent assault on the high-speed rail service departing from Peterborough station. British Transport Police confirmed detaining two individuals while 10 people – nine sustaining critical injuries – required hospital treatment following the attack, Sky News reported.

Passengers reported that the assault began approximately nine minutes after the train departed from Peterborough, prompting travelers to activate emergency alerts. Witnesses recounted scenes of passengers trampling others while some sought refuge in lavatory compartments, Sky News reported.

Authorities have designated the situation a "major incident" while confirming that counter-terrorism investigators have joined the probe, Sky News reported.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer characterized the violence as an "appalling incident" that was "deeply concerning." "My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response," Starmer posted on X. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated she was "deeply saddened" by the attack while calling on the public to "avoid comment and speculation at this early stage," Sky News reported.

The appalling incident on a train near Huntingdon is deeply concerning.

My thoughts are with all those affected, and my thanks go to the emergency services for their response.

Anyone in the area should follow the advice of the police.

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) November 1, 2025

Defence Secretary John Healey informed Sky News during Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips that he traveled the identical route mere hours before Saturday evening's assault. "It's the service I use every week to get home to Rotherham, so I can't begin to imagine how shocked and frightened those passengers were," Healey stated, according to Sky News.

When Phillips questioned whether the assault modified the nation's terror threat designation, Healey indicated no change occurred and the level remains "substantial" – signifying an attack is deemed "likely," Sky News reported.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary's chief constable informed the MP that officers conducted training for comparable emergencies "only last week," with Obese-Jecty additionally urging restraint regarding circumstantial assumptions, according to Sky News. "I think also people need to keep cool heads at this time. I've seen an awful lot of speculation online and a lot of misinformation," Obese-Jecty added, Sky News reported.