A routine commuter journey descended into terror yesterday when a knife-wielding attacker launched a violent rampage aboard a train approaching Huntingdon station, triggering mass panic and a major emergency response.
Chaos erupted during the evening rush hour as the 17:24 Thameslink service from London King's Cross to Huntingdon became the scene of what passengers described as "sheer horror." British Transport Police confirmed multiple people were threatened with a knife before the suspect was dramatically apprehended.
Station Lockdown and Mass Evacuation
As the train pulled into Huntingdon station at approximately 18:15, armed response units and multiple police vehicles swarmed the platform. Officers immediately implemented a full station lockdown, preventing anyone from entering or leaving while they secured the area.
"We were ordered to evacuate immediately," one shaken passenger reported. "People were screaming and running. Nobody knew what was happening or where the attacker was."
Travel Chaos Across the Region
The incident caused widespread disruption across the Great Northern network, with:
- All services through Huntingdon suspended for several hours
- Significant delays on routes between London and Peterborough
- Replacement bus services struggling to cope with passenger numbers
- Evening commuters facing lengthy detours and cancellations
Network Rail issued multiple service alerts warning passengers to avoid the area entirely while the police investigation continued.
Police Investigation Underway
Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed a man remains in custody following the incident. A spokesperson stated: "We were called at 6:15pm to reports of a man with a knife on board a train at Huntingdon station. Officers attended and a man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon."
Forensic teams were seen examining the train carriage late into the evening as investigators worked to piece together the sequence of events.
No serious injuries have been reported, though several passengers required medical treatment for shock and anxiety following the traumatic incident.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the motive behind the attack and whether the suspect was known to any of the victims.
