Chaos erupted at Peterborough railway station on Tuesday afternoon as armed British Transport Police officers swooped in for a dramatic arrest, forcing the complete evacuation of a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service.
The major security operation saw specialist units descend on the busy transport hub following reports of a concerning incident aboard the stationary train. Passengers were hurriedly escorted from carriages as police secured the area.
Station Lockdown and Travel Chaos
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion and concern as the emergency unfolded. The station was partially locked down during the operation, with police cordoning off sections of the platform and concourse.
"We saw multiple police vehicles arrive very quickly," one commuter reported. "Officers were moving people away from the train and there was a real sense of tension. Everyone was wondering what was happening."
Swift Police Resolution
Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy of British Transport Police confirmed that a man was arrested at the scene and taken into custody. The suspect is currently assisting police with their enquiries.
"Our officers responded promptly to ensure the safety of all passengers and station staff," Cundy stated. "We appreciate the cooperation and understanding shown by travellers during this disruptive incident."
The police operation caused significant disruption to LNER services, with delays and cancellations affecting evening commuters. Some passengers faced extended waits as authorities worked to clear the scene and return operations to normal.
Service Restoration
LNER officials worked closely with transport police to minimise disruption, implementing contingency plans to manage the backlog of affected services. Normal operations resumed several hours after the incident concluded.
British Transport Police have launched a full investigation into the circumstances that prompted the dramatic station intervention, though they confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
