Two men were arrested on suspicion of murder over last night’s attack on a train in Cambridgeshire, but one of them has been released without charge, police have said
Police have released one of the two men who were arrested over yesterday’s mass stabbings on a train heading from Doncaster to London.
In a major update this evening, detectives said a 32-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder is now being treated as the only suspect. He is from Peterborough, which is where he boarded the train. He remains in police custody.
But the British Transport Police (BTP) said a 35-year-old man from London who was also arrested at the scene has been released with no further action. BTP said that someone claimed the man was involved in the attack when officers responded to the incident.
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However, following enquiries it was established that he was not involved. Officers said they have recovered a knife at the scene.
A BTP statement read: “Detectives investigating a multiple stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire can this evening confirm a 32-year-old man who was arrested is now being treated as the only suspect.
“A 35-year-old man from London who was also arrested at the scene has been released with no further action. It was reported in good faith to officers responding to the incident that he was involved in the attack, and following enquiries we can confirm that he was not involved.
“The 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody. He is from Peterborough and it is known that he boarded the train at Peterborough station. A knife was recovered by officers at the scene.”
Meanwhile, the police force confirmed that five casualties had now been discharged from hospital, and one – a member of LNER rail staff who was on the train at the time and tried to stop the attacker – remains in a life-threatening condition. After reviewing CCTV from the train, officers said the worker’s actions “were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives”.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: “Our investigation is moving at pace and we are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident. As would be expected, specialist detectives are looking into the background of the suspect we have in custody and the events that led up to the attack.
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the brave member of rail staff whose family are being supported by specialist officers.
“Having viewed the CCTV from the train, the actions of the member of rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives. My thanks to the public for their patience while we continue our investigation at Huntingdon station. We hope that we will be able to support GTR in reopening the station soon.
“Anyone with information who hasn’t already spoken to police is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of 01/11/25.” David Horne, Managing Director of LNER said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday’s incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition, and their family.
“I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they provided to those injured. I would also like to recognise the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions. This is a deeply upsetting incident. Over the coming days we will continue to cooperate with the authorities involved and will do everything we can to support our customers and colleagues during this very difficult time.”
