Extra officers across rail network after train stabbings

Extra police officers are being deployed across England’s rail network in response to the stabbings on board a Doncaster-London train.

Two British men in their thirties have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after 11 people were injured. Two of the victims remain in a life-threatening condition.

The incident has caused significant disruption to services connecting the east of England with the capital.

There is expected to be a “surge” in police presence until at least Tuesday, focusing on major terminals such as London, Birmingham, York, Leeds and Manchester, as well as at Huntingdon.

There will also be officers on trains on the East Coast Main Line, with sources saying they usually focused on station security, but would be there to “reassure passengers”.

The motive for the attack is unclear, but British Transport Police said there was currently “nothing to suggest” it was a terror-related.

According to National Rail, several lines are affected by the disruption, including Great Northern services between London Kings Cross and Peterborough.

LNER routes through Lincoln, Doncaster, Leeds, Bradford Forster Square and Harrogate are also impacted.

Thameslink services through Welwyn Garden City, Hitchin and Peterborough are seeing delays and cancellations as well.

Huntingdon station remained cordoned off on Sunday, with the London-bound train still stationed on the platform.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the attack was “appalling” and “deeply concerning”, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood thanked emergency services and said her thoughts were “with the victims, their friends and family”.