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A valiant railway staff member who stepped in to save passengers during a multiple knife attack on a express train has sustained critical wounds, police stated on Sunday.

Details of the Frightening Incident

Surveillance footage reportedly depicts the staff member trying to stop the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Bystanders described a terrifying 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with injured passengers fleeing through compartments.

The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Authorities announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.

Crisis Response and Consequences

The incident on the weekend led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five individuals have since been discharged from hospital.

A bystander filmed the suspect waving a big knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced officers on the station. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."

“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – particularly the courageous employee of rail staff whose family are being supported by trained personnel,” stated a high-ranking law enforcement officer.

Union Reaction and Calls for Measures

Rail unions were swift to praise staff and demand increased action. One labor official stated he would be “requesting immediate meetings with authorities, rail employers and law enforcement to ensure that we have the best available support, tools and effective protocols in place”.

Another association leader urged the rail company and authorities “to act swiftly to review safety, to help the affected workers, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.

Operator Praised for Quick Action

The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by association officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.

“The driver did not halt the service in the center of two stops where it’s obviously difficult for the emergency services to access, but he continued traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much waiting,” explained a union official.

Further Details

Authorities said they received the initial distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

An witness recounted at first thinking if the event was a holiday prank, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was real.

Police have stated there is nothing to suggest the event was a terrorist incident and have requested the public to come forward with any further details.

Train services on the affected route are expected to experience disruption until the following day, with travelers recommended to postpone their journeys where feasible.

Anyone with details that could help the inquiry are encouraged to contact police by sending a message a specific number with a case code.