Police initially declared ‘Operation Plato’ – MP says
Conservative MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty issued an update shortly after 1.30am. He claims the incident was initially responsed to under ‘Operation Plato’.
Plato is the national code word used by police and emergency services when responding to a “marauding terror attack”. The decision was later rescinded, authorities said.
Taking to social media he wrote: “I have been on site at Huntingdon Station since 2110hrs liaising with emergency services and news media following the Major Incident.
“Shortly after 12am this morning I met with the Chief Constable of Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Simon Megicks, at Huntingdon Police Station regarding the attack that took place on Saturday evening on the 18.25 LNER train from Doncaster to London Kings Cross.
“The attack occurred after the train left Peterborough and made the unscheduled stop at Huntingdon following the attack. Police responded in minutes from the 999 call under Operation Plato and the first officers on the scene were Cambridgeshire Constabulary Response Officers, then backed up by Firearms Officers shortly afterwards.
“Two individuals were arrested at the scene. Ten people were injured in the attack, nine of whom are believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries.
“This was an appalling and devastating attack. My thoughts are with all those victims who were injured during this heinous attack. I would like to pay tribute to the incredible and immediate response of the emergency services, particularly the Response Officers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary who were first to arrive on the scene with the suspect still armed and at large.
“British Transport Police has primacy in this investigation and is being supported by local officers and resources from Cambridgeshire Constabulary as well as Counter Terrorism Policing.”
