Huntingdon Train Stabbing, Fatal Incident Investigated by Police — England UK Stabbing Report
HUNTINGDON, Cambridgeshire, England — British authorities are conducting a major criminal investigation into a serious stabbing incident on a London-bound train that was forced to stop at Huntingdon railway station in Cambridgeshire on 1 November 2025, leaving multiple passengers injured and prompting a large-scale police response. (Wikipedia)
The stabbing occurred aboard the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service departing from Doncaster at 6.25 p.m. GMT, bound for London King’s Cross. Shortly after the train left Peterborough station, a passenger began attacking fellow travellers with a knife, triggering widespread panic. Within minutes, passengers alerted emergency services by calling 999, and the train was diverted to make an emergency stop at Huntingdon station at around 7.44 p.m.. (Wikipedia)
Police and Emergency Response
British Transport Police (BTP), Cambridgeshire Constabulary, and other emergency services responded rapidly to the incident. Upon arrival at Huntingdon station, heavily equipped armed officers boarded the train and detained two individuals in connection with the attack. One of the men was later released with no charges, while the other — identified as 32-year-old Anthony Williams of Peterborough — remained in custody on suspicion of multiple counts of attempted murder and related offences. (The Independent)
The attack was treated as a major incident by police, and at one point units activated the national codeword “Operation Plato,” reserved for urgent marauding attacks, before later determining that the event was not connected to terrorism. (Wikipedia)
Casualties and Injuries
While there were no fatalities linked to this incident, at least 11 people were stabbed and taken to hospital, with several suffering life-threatening injuries. Some victims included both passengers and train staff who were on board at the time of the attack. In the days following the incident, emergency services and medical teams continued to treat those affected, with several individuals discharged after receiving care. (The Independent)
One of the crew members reportedly acted with courage while confronting the attacker and was seriously injured in the process. Family, friends, and colleagues have highlighted his actions as playing a significant role in limiting the attacker’s access to other passengers. (ITVX)
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Following the stabbing, British Transport Police and Cambridgeshire officers continued their investigation into the events leading up to and during the attack. The 32-year-old suspect, Anthony Williams, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possession of a bladed article related to the Huntingdon train attack. Additional charges have since been brought against Williams in connection with separate knife incidents reported earlier the same day, including alleged offences at a Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station in east London. (Sky News)
Williams appeared in court and was remanded in custody as legal proceedings continued in both Cambridgeshire and other jurisdictions where related offences were being considered. (ITVX)
Community Impact and Official Statements
The incident prompted an extensive police operation, with staff from multiple forces collaborating to secure the train, tend to the injured, and ensure public safety. Officials, including senior police representatives and political leaders, emphasised the seriousness of the attack and urged calm while investigations advanced. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the stabbing as “deeply concerning,” and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood acknowledged the bravery of emergency services and passengers during the crisis. (GB News)
Authorities have called on the public to assist with the investigation by providing any eyewitness accounts or relevant CCTV or mobile phone footage from the train or at Huntingdon station during the incident.
Broader Implications and Safety Measures
The train stabbing sparked a broader discussion about public safety on UK rail services, with increased focus on emergency preparedness, carriage security, staff training, and early detection of threatening behaviours. Law enforcement and railway companies reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing protective measures for passengers and workers alike.
