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A brave train staff member who intervened to save passengers during a mass stabbing attack on a high-speed train has suffered life-threatening wounds, police stated on Sunday.

Details of the Frightening Event

Surveillance footage allegedly shows the employee attempting to halt the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and another station in the county. Witnesses described a terrifying 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with bloodied passengers fleeing through carriages.

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

Emergency Reaction and Aftermath

The event on Saturday night led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five people have now been released from hospital.

A witness recorded the individual brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a stun device as he faced officers on the station. He was allegedly heard shouting, "End my life, kill me."

“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – particularly the courageous member of rail staff whose family are being assisted by specialist officers,” said a high-ranking law enforcement officer.

Labor Response and Appeals for Action

Train unions were swift to praise staff and call for increased action. One union official stated he would be “requesting urgent discussions with government, train companies and police to guarantee that we have the best available assistance, tools and effective protocols in place”.

Another association representative urged the train operator and authorities “to act swiftly to examine security, to help the affected employees, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.

Operator Praised for Rapid Thinking

The train driver who stopped the train at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “good”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.

“The driver didn’t stop the train in the center of two stations where it’s obviously challenging for the first responders to reach, but he continued traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” explained a union official.

Additional Details

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

An witness described at first wondering if the situation was a Halloween joke, but quickly understood from people's faces that it was serious.

Police have stated there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terrorist attack and have requested the community to provide with any additional details.

Train operations on the impacted route are expected to have delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to defer their journeys where possible.

Individuals with information that could help the inquiry are encouraged to reach authorities by sending a message a specific number with a case code.