UPDATE: A mass stabbing incident on the 6.25 pm Doncaster to London King’s Cross service escalated into chaos as passengers displayed extraordinary bravery in protecting each other. Witnesses report a knifeman attacked multiple individuals onboard, but heroic actions from bystanders, particularly a buffet worker, saved lives during this terrifying event on November 3, 2025.
As screams echoed through the train, initial assumptions of a Halloween prank quickly turned into sheer panic. The assailant was reportedly stabbing passengers indiscriminately, causing a wave of terror. Stephen Crean, a passenger, bravely confronted the attacker in an attempt to shield others, sustaining severe injuries in the process. Witnesses hailed him as a hero, with tributes pouring in for his courage.
Passenger Maisie Harrison was moments away from being stabbed when an older man threw himself in front of her, absorbing the attack. Her mother, Dawn Duke, expressed profound gratitude, stating on social media, “I owe everything to the hero who jumped in front of my daughter and saved her life!” This act of selflessness is just one of many reported during the chaos.
The train driver, Andrew Johnson, played a crucial role by rapidly diverting the train to Huntingdon Station. His quick thinking enabled emergency services to respond swiftly to the situation, potentially preventing further casualties. Johnson, a former Royal Navy member, has been commended for his decisive actions.
Reports indicate that the attacker, described as a British national of Caribbean descent, was previously unknown to authorities. Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene, with passengers fleeing the train, some covered in blood. One witness, Alistair Day, described locking himself in the buffet car as the panic spread. “I saw a man at the window with a knife,” he said.
The aftermath saw 11 injured individuals, with five already discharged from hospitals by the following day. The most critically injured is the buffet worker who bravely attempted to subdue the attacker. A rail source remarked, “His actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many lives.”
Cambridgeshire Police responded promptly, deploying an armed unit that had recently trained for such incidents. Initial reports mistakenly indicated another suspect was involved, but investigations clarified that only one was responsible for the attack, with a 32-year-old man being treated as the primary suspect.
Officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in Peterborough prior to the attack to come forward. As investigations continue, the community grapples with the shock of the violence experienced on a seemingly ordinary train journey.
This incident has sparked a renewed conversation about safety on public transport and the bravery of ordinary citizens in the face of danger. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the victims and the incredible stories of heroism that emerged from this harrowing event.
Stay tuned for updates as authorities continue to gather evidence and assess the situation.
