A London North Eastern Railway (LNER) staff member is in a life-threatening condition after bravely intervening to protect passengers from a knifeman aboard a Doncaster–London King’s Cross train on Saturday evening. The worker’s actions have been described as “nothing short of heroic” by police.

Eleven hospitalised after train attack

The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 pm GMT on Saturday, when the train stopped at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. A 32-year-old man, identified as a black British national from Peterborough, has been arrested as the sole suspect in the attack.

According to British Transport Police (BTP), eleven passengers were treated in hospital, with five discharged by Sunday evening. A second man, aged 35, who had initially been detained, was released with no further action, after officers confirmed he had no involvement.

A knife was recovered from the scene, and forensic officers remained on site through Sunday as investigations continued.

‘Heroic’ railway worker fought to save passengers

The injured railway employee reportedly confronted the attacker in an attempt to protect passengers. “Having viewed the CCTV footage from the train, the actions of the member of rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives,” a BTP spokesperson said.

David Horne, managing director of LNER, said the company was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the incident. “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition,” he said, adding that the company stood by its staff and their families.

Witnesses describe chaos on board

Passengers described scenes of panic as the attack unfolded. Amira Ostalski, who was travelling with a friend, said the assailant appeared to be stabbing passengers at random.

“It was like he had a mission to stab anyone he saw. There was blood everywhere—people were screaming, ‘he’s got a knife’. People were getting trampled on trying to escape,” she said.

Passengers fled once the conductor managed to open the doors at Huntingdon station. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sit on a train anymore,” Ostalski added.

Train driver’s quick actions helped rescue efforts

The train’s driver, Andrew Johnson, a former Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer, was praised for diverting the train to the slow track, allowing emergency services to board quickly.

Nigel Roebuck, from the Aslef union, said Johnson’s composure under pressure “showed real courage, dedication, and determination”. The driver, though shaken, is reportedly safe and recovering.

Investigation continues; terrorism ruled out

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said detectives were moving swiftly with the investigation and confirmed they were not looking for additional suspects.

While the motive remains unclear, police have stated that terrorism is not suspected. A “surge” in police presence has been announced at major UK rail stations—including London, Birmingham, Leeds, York, and Manchester—until at least Tuesday.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to make a formal statement in the House of Commons on Monday afternoon regarding the attack.