Man, Thirty-two, Identified as Sole Person of Interest in Rail Knife Attack as Employee in Critical Condition, Police Report

Law enforcement met the Doncaster to London train at Huntingdon
Police responded to the Doncaster-London train as it conducted an unscheduled stop at the station

A individual aged 32 is now the only person of interest after several people were attacked with a knife on a rail service, police have confirmed.

A railway employee continues to be in a critical state after the incident on a service from Doncaster to London to London, which stopped in Huntingdon, just before 8 PM on the weekend.

A 35-year-old man, who was arrested at the location, has been released with no charges after it was reported "in good faith" that he had been implicated in the attack. Officers subsequently clarified this was incorrect.

Eleven individuals were cared for in hospital after the stabbing. On Sunday night, authorities stated 5 victims had been released.

The force also confirmed the employee in life-threatening state had tried to stop the attacker.

"After examined the CCTV from the service, the actions of the employee were nothing short of brave and certainly saved people's lives," a representative said.

The individual, who is from the city, boarded the London North Eastern Railway train at the local station, the force reported.

"Our inquiry is moving at pace and we are certain we are not searching for anyone else in connection to the incident," stated a police official.

The police confirmed a blade had been recovered by officers at the location.

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

A senior executive expressed gratitude to emergency service workers "due to their swift and efficient response" and said the company and employees were "deeply stunned and distressed" by the event.

"Our thoughts and wishes are with everyone affected, especially our staff member who remains in a critical state, and their loved ones," he said.

'People Were Getting Trampled On'

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

Amira Ostalski was on the service with a companion when she witnessed a person attacked by a individual holding what seemed to be a large kitchen knife.

"It seemed he had a mission to stab anyone he saw right in front of him," she stated.

"I saw red everywhere - people were screaming, 'he has a blade.'"

Ms Ostalski reported she observed someone being attacked "several seats" from her, noting: "I could have been next. People were getting trampled on."

"It was a very crowded service, so people were just trying to run away from the attacker, and individuals were tripping, and others were standing on them. The situation was horrible."

Once the staff member managed to open a exit at the station, passengers began to flee.

"I doubt I can sit on a train again," the passenger added.

The train driver shown at a charity event
Andrew Johnson, shown at a charity event

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

When the emergency 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 platform at the station.

The driver's actions are thought to be why first responders were able to access the train so quickly.

His fast response likely avoided the train from stopping in the middle of nowhere or having to go to the next station, which would have required ten to fifteen minutes.

A representative stated the driver is "very distressed" but "okay", and commended him for doing "exactly the right thing".

"The driver did everything he was trained to do, at the appropriate moment and in the right manner," said a union official.

"He demonstrated real bravery, genuine dedication, and strong determination in the toughest of situations."

Forensics officers remained at the scene on the day after
Forensics officers were at the scene on the day after

Another witness, an individual, stated: "I will say there were definitely numerous heroes on that occasion, several kind individuals who just wanted to help those around them - individuals handing out blankets, heat packs."

Mr McLachlan said he observed one injured man who had been cut in the face. He was told the individual was "attempting to defend a young girl from being attacked".

"The individual took that wound to the face out of defense for her - that's true real altruism, without a doubt."

"I witnessed multiple individuals covered in blood, and observing how severe their injuries were, I understood this is something extremely bad."

Dominique Beck
Dominique Beck

A passionate gaming journalist and content creator with over a decade of experience covering industry trends and esports events.