What started as a routine Saturday evening train journey across eastern England on November 2, 2025, quickly spiraled into chaos and terror for dozens of passengers. The train, having departed Doncaster at 6:25 p.m. and bound for London’s King’s Cross, was about halfway through its journey when a stabbing attack erupted, leaving 11 people hospitalized and the country rattled by the violence.
According to British Transport Police, the first emergency call came in at 7:42 p.m., just after the train had pulled away from Peterborough. In a matter of minutes, scenes of panic unfolded as bloodied travelers rushed down the aisles, desperate to escape the carriage where the violence was taking place. Olly Foster, a passenger, recounted to the BBC the confusion and horror on board: “We ran from the back of the train to the end as everyone was screaming to run, explaining there was somebody stabbing everyone and everything. There was blood on the top of countless chairs, coming from two of the guys who had been severely stabbed ahead of me.”
Within eight minutes of the first emergency call, officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary and British Transport Police boarded the train after it made an emergency stop at Huntingdon station, about 75 miles north of London. Armed police, paramedics, and even air ambulances swarmed the station. Passengers poured onto the platform, some helping the wounded while others tried to make sense of the chaos. Witnesses said a Taser was used to subdue the suspect, who was holding a large knife, and a weapon was recovered at the scene.
Two men were initially detained by police on the platform. However, after reviewing evidence and CCTV footage, authorities released one—a 35-year-old British citizen—without charge, confirming he had no involvement in the attack. The primary suspect, identified as Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, was charged on Monday, November 3, with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm, and one count of possession of a bladed article in connection with the train attack. Williams was also charged with another count of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article for a separate incident at Pontoon Dock light rail station in east London earlier that same day, where a victim suffered facial injuries after being attacked with a knife. Police said they are also “looking at other possible linked offenses.”
Authorities were quick to clarify that the attacks were not being treated as acts of terrorism. Superintendent John Loveless of the British Transport Police stated, “At this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident. At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.” Transport Minister Heidi Alexander added on Times Radio that Williams “was not known to counterterrorism police. He was not known to security services.” She declined to comment on whether he had been known to mental health services.
Of the 11 people injured, police initially classified nine as having life-threatening injuries. By Sunday evening, only one remained in life-threatening condition—a railway staff member who had intervened to stop the attacker. Authorities hailed his actions as “nothing short of heroic,” with Transport Minister Alexander noting, “He literally put himself in harm’s way. There will be people who are alive today because of his actions.” The staff member remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
The rapid and coordinated response of emergency services drew widespread praise. King Charles III and Queen Camilla issued a statement expressing that they were “appalled and shocked,” adding, “Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with all those affected, and their loved ones. We are particularly grateful to the emergency services for their response to this awful incident.” Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also commended the “exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train.”
The attack forced a high-profile police presence on the nation’s railways. British Transport Police assured the public that there would be “a high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains throughout today who are there to reassure the public and respond to any concerns.” Authorities insisted that this was an isolated incident, but the shockwaves were palpable. The managing director of the rail line, David Horne, stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition, and their family.”
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that the number of charges against Williams could change as the investigation progresses. Tracy Easton, chief crown prosecutor, said, “We worked closely with British Transport Police to review a huge volume of evidence including CCTV. The number of charges will be kept under review as this continues to progress.”
For travelers and staff on Britain’s railways, the attack was a chilling reminder of the vulnerability that can exist even in everyday settings. The incident follows a string of recent stabbings in the UK, including attacks at a Manchester synagogue and a triple stabbing in west London, incidents that have left communities on edge and authorities urging vigilance. Defense Secretary John Healey spoke on the BBC’s “Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg” program, encouraging the public to remain vigilant but reassuring them that “early reports suggest this was an isolated incident. So from the public’s point of view, there’s no reason not to continue traveling.”
As the investigation continues, police have stated they are not seeking any additional suspects. Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said, “We are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident.”
In the aftermath, passengers who were on board the train are left with the memory of a night that began with routine and ended in horror. For many, that journey will not soon be forgotten. As Britain comes to terms with another violent episode, the hope is that the courage displayed by staff and swift action by emergency responders will help the nation heal, even as it grapples with the broader questions raised by such sudden acts of violence.
