A 15-year-old boy has been hailed as a hero after confronting a knifeman during a terrifying attack at a barbershop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
The shocking incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a man armed with a knife entered the town centre barbershop and began assaulting people inside the premises. According to police, the same suspect is believed to be responsible for an earlier attack on a train.
Quick Thinking Saves Lives
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as the attacker, described as a man in his 30s, began his violent rampage. The teenage boy, whose identity remains protected, showed remarkable presence of mind by grabbing a piece of equipment to defend himself and other customers.
"The boy's bravery was extraordinary," said one local business owner who witnessed part of the incident. "He put himself in harm's way to protect others when most people would have frozen or run."
Police Response and Investigation
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed they were called to the scene at approximately 3:15 PM following multiple emergency calls. Armed response units were deployed to the area, and the suspect was apprehended near the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Phillips told reporters: "This was a frightening incident for everyone involved. We believe the same individual was responsible for an assault on a train service earlier that day. Our investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances."
Community in Shock
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Huntingdon community, with local residents expressing both concern and admiration for the teenage boy's actions.
One resident said: "You don't expect this kind of violence in our town. That young lad is a proper hero - he deserves recognition for what he did."
The boy and one other person sustained minor injuries during the confrontation and were treated at the scene by paramedics. Police have reassured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the motive behind the attacks and whether the suspect had any prior connection to the victims.
