Individual, Thirty-two, Identified as Only Person of Interest in Train Knife Attack as Employee in Critical State, Authorities Confirm

Police met the Doncaster service at the station
Officers responded to the Doncaster-London service as it conducted an emergency halt at the station

A 32-year-old man is currently the only person of interest after multiple individuals were stabbed on a rail service, police have stated.

A rail employee remains in a critical state after the attack on a service from Doncaster to London, which stopped in Huntingdon, just before 20:00 GMT on Saturday.

A individual aged 35, who was arrested at the scene, has been freed with no charges after it was reported "with honest intent" that he had been implicated in the incident. Police subsequently confirmed this was incorrect.

11 individuals were treated in hospital after the attack. On Sunday evening, police confirmed 5 casualties had been discharged.

The police also stated the rail staff member in critical condition had attempted to stop the assailant.

"Having viewed the footage from the train, the actions of the employee were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved individuals' lives," a spokesman commented.

The suspect, who is from the city, entered the LNER train at the city's station, the force said.

"The investigation is progressing quickly and we are certain we are not searching for any other individuals in connection to the incident," stated a police official.

The police said a knife had been recovered by officers at the location.

Investigative personnel at the location on Sunday
Investigative personnel were present at the scene on the following day as investigations continued

A senior executive thanked first responders "for their swift and professional response" and stated the organization and staff were "deeply shocked and distressed" by the incident.

"Our considerations and wishes are with all those impacted, particularly our colleague who remains in a critical condition, and their family," he said.

'Individuals Were Being Crushed'

Amira Ostalski travelling the train with her companion
A passenger was on board the service with her friend

Amira Ostalski was on the train with a friend when she saw a person attacked by a man carrying what appeared to be a big blade.

"It was like he had a purpose to stab anyone he saw directly in front of him," she stated.

"I saw blood everywhere - people were screaming, 'he's got a knife.'"

Ms Ostalski said she observed someone being stabbed "several seats" from her, noting: "I might have been the next target. Individuals were being trampled on."

"The train was a extremely crowded service, so people were just attempting to escape from the assailant, and people were tripping, and people were standing on them. It was horrible."

Once the staff member succeeded to unlock a exit at the station, passengers began to flee.

"I don't think I can sit on a train anymore," the passenger concluded.

Andrew Johnson shown at a charity event
Andrew Johnson, shown at a Royal British Legion stall

The operator of the train has been identified as Andrew Johnson.

When the alarm was raised, Mr Johnson was said to have notified the operations center to get the service rerouted from the main line to the slow track, which has a stop at Huntingdon.

Mr Johnson's decisions are thought to be why first responders were able to board the train so quickly.

His quick thinking likely prevented the service from halting in the middle of nowhere or needing to go to the next station, which would have taken 10 to 15 more time.

A representative said the driver is "quite shaken" but "okay", and praised him for doing "precisely the correct thing".

"The driver did everything he was instructed to do, at the appropriate time and in the proper manner," commented a union official.

"The driver demonstrated real courage, real dedication, and strong resolve in the most difficult of circumstances."

Investigative personnel remained at the location on Sunday
Forensics officers were at the scene on the day after

Another witness, Thomas McLachlan, stated: "I must note there were certainly many heroes on that day, many kind people who simply wanted to assist those around them - people handing out coverings, heat packs."

Mr McLachlan reported he saw one hurt man who had been slashed in the head. He was told the person was "attempting to protect a child from being harmed".

"He took that wound to the head out of protection for her - that's some real altruism, without a doubt."

"I saw multiple people smeared in red, and seeing how severe their injuries were, I understood this is an event really, really bad."

Sharon Mitchell
Sharon Mitchell

A certified nutritionist and wellness coach with over a decade of experience in holistic health, passionate about sharing natural remedies and sustainable living tips.