Andrew Johnson, from Peterborough, diverted the Peterborough to London Kings Cross train to Huntingdon as soon as he was alerted of a knifeman attacking passengers
The driver of the LNER train on which stopped at Huntingdon follow a mass stabbing on board has spoken publicly about the incident for the first time.
On Saturday, armed officers boarded the train after the 18:25 service was diverted to Huntingdon, following calls by passengers to police at around 19:40 GMT. Armed police officers and paramedics attended Huntingdon station and boarded the train, arresting two suspects within eight minutes of the 999 call being made.
A total of 11 people had been treated in hospital but one remains in a life-threatening condition. This casualty is a member of LNER rail staff who was on the train at the time and tried to stop the attacker. Detectives have reviewed the CCTV from the train and it is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people’s lives.
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British Transport Police declared a major incident on Saturday and counter-terrorism police were initially supporting the investigation. However, at this stage, there is nothing to suggest that this is a terrorist incident.
Andrew Johnson, from Peterborough, diverted the Peterborough to London Kings Cross train to Huntingdon as soon as he was alerted of a knifeman attacking passengers on Saturday evening.
Speaking about the horrific incident for the first time Mr Johnson told ITV News: “I was only doing my job. It was my colleague who is in hospital who was the brave one.”
His quick decision to stop the train at Huntingdon station has received praise. An Aslef union officer commended Mr Johnson for doing “exactly the right thing”.
Nigel Roebuck, full-time organiser in the north-east of England for the train drivers’ union Aslef and lead officer with LNER, said: “The driver did everything he was trained to do, at the right time and in the right way.
“He showed real courage, real dedication, and real determination in the most difficult of circumstances. Our thoughts tonight are with his colleague who is still in intensive care.”
In an update yesterday evening police confirmed a 32-year-old British national, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the bloody rampage, is now being treated as the only suspect .
A 35-year-old man from London, who was also detained at the scene, has now been released with no further action – as the BTP confirmed he had no involvement.
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