A 32-year-old man remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder after a mass stabbing attack on an LNER train from Doncaster to London. The man, who is a British national, is now being treated as the only suspect following the incident on Saturday evening.
The King's Cross-bound service was diverted to Huntingdon station, Cambridgeshire, where one witness described people leaving the train “drenched in blood”. A huge emergency service response rushed to the station, with British Transport Police (BTP) declaring a major incident. The force, which earlier said there was “nothing to suggest” it was a terrorist attack, has now given a major update on its investigation.
Here is what we know so far:
Suspect boarded train in Peterborough
BTP said the suspect, who has not been named, is from Peterborough and boarded the train at Peterborough station when it stopped at 7:30pm.
The force earlier said the 32-year-old is a black British national.
He is being treated as the only suspect in the attack.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “We are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“As would be expected, specialist detectives are looking into the background of the suspect we have in custody and the events that led up to the attack.”
The force said a knife was recovered by officers at the scene.
Throughout Sunday, investigators have remained at Huntingdon station which is about 17 miles from Peterborough station.
One man released
A 35-year-old man from London who was also arrested at the scene has been released with no further action.
Released man was wrongly accused of involvement 'in good faith'
The 35-year-old was not involved in the attack but it had been reported in “good faith” that he was, BTP said.
It said in a statement: “It was reported in good faith to officers responding to the incident that he was involved in the attack, and following inquiries we can confirm that he was not involved.”
Victim still fighting for his life is a staff member
Following the attack, 10 people were taken to hospital by ambulance with another person admitting themselves later on Saturday evening.
Nine were initially believed to have life-threatening injuries.
Five casualties have now been discharged from hospital, however one person — a member of LNER rail staff who was on the train at the time — remains in a life-threatening condition.
'Actions of brave train worker saved many lives'
The man who is still fighting for his life in hospital attempted to stop the attacker and “undoubtedly” saved many lives, according to BTP.
Praising the actions of the “brave” man, Deputy Chief Constable Cundy said: “Having viewed the CCTV from the train, the actions of the member of the rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people's lives.”
The man has not been named and his family is being supported by specialist officers, Deputy Chief Constable Cundy added.
David Horne, managing director of LNER, said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday's incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition, and their family.
“I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they provided to those injured. I would also like to recognize the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions.”