A concerned neighbour of the Huntingdon train attacker made a desperate plea to police about his violent behaviour just one week before the shocking station stabbings, the Daily Mail can reveal.
The resident contacted Cambridgeshire Police reporting that Lewis Thomas had ambushed his own father's car in a violent road rage incident. Despite the serious nature of the report, no officers were dispatched to investigate the matter.
Missed Warning Signs
According to sources close to the investigation, the neighbour provided detailed accounts of Thomas's aggressive behaviour and expressed genuine fears about his mental state. The warning came amid growing concerns about Thomas's deteriorating condition in the days leading up to the railway attack.
The failed police response raises urgent questions about whether the Huntingdon station stabbings could have been prevented had authorities taken the neighbour's concerns seriously.
Violent Preceding Incident
Documents seen by this publication reveal that Thomas allegedly attacked his father's vehicle in what witnesses described as a "frightening and unprovoked" assault. The incident occurred near the family home and left neighbours deeply concerned about Thomas's stability.
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "We'd been worried about him for weeks. When we heard about the station attack, our first thought was that someone should have listened when we raised the alarm."
Police Under Scrutiny
Cambridgeshire Police have launched an internal review into their handling of the initial complaint. A spokesperson confirmed that the force is "examining all interactions with Lewis Thomas prior to the incident" but declined to comment further while the review is ongoing.
Community safety advocates are demanding answers about why the warning signs were overlooked, particularly given the severity of the subsequent attack that left multiple people injured at Huntingdon railway station.
Broader Implications
This case has ignited debate about police resources and mental health response protocols across the UK. Many are questioning whether budget cuts and stretched services are contributing to missed opportunities to prevent violent crimes.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct has been notified and may launch its own investigation depending on the findings of the internal police review.
