Train stabbings: Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis offers to help fans affected

Alistair Day was on the train when the attack took place, having attended Forest’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United.

“I was just by the buffet car. It was odd. I was at the end of the carriage, all these kids were running up and I thought it was like a prank – Halloween or students,” said Day, who was travelling back to Hertford.

“Then they’re getting louder and louder, any sorts of people with blood on them [appeared] and I thought, ‘Oh, bloody hell, this is not good’.”

In a statement, the club said it “wishes to express its deepest concern and heartfelt sympathy to all those affected by the shocking attack on an LNER train bound for London yesterday evening”.

“Many of our London-based supporters were travelling home on that train following our match at the City Ground, and our thoughts are very much with everyone caught up in such a distressing incident,” added Forest.

“The club is aware that many individuals demonstrated extraordinary bravery which undoubtedly helped prevent even greater harm.

“The entire Nottingham Forest family stands firmly behind them as they recover from the events of yesterday.”