Two men arrested in connection with the stabbing attack on a London-bound train in England on Saturday have been ruled out as potential terrorists, according to British police. The attack, which occurred on the 6:25 pm train from Doncaster to King's Cross station, left nine people in critical condition, including two who remain in life-threatening condition.
The two suspects, born in the UK, are being held at separate police stations and were arrested just eight minutes after emergency calls were made. British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless described the incident as "shocking" and said there was no indication that it was a terrorist attack.
However, Loveless did acknowledge that the national code word for a potential "marauding terror attack" had been initiated during the immediate response to the attack. The declaration was later rescinded but no motive for the attack has been disclosed at this time.
Passengers on the train reported scenes of panic and chaos, with some running through the carriages and others seeking safety in the toilets. One passenger, Olly Foster, said he heard people shouting "run, run, there's a guy literally stabbing everyone" and initially thought it might have been a Halloween prank.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the UK, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III expressing their condolences to those affected. The train service has been severely disrupted, with London North Eastern Railway confirming that major disruption is expected on the route until Monday.
As police continue to investigate the attack, they are urging passengers to report any information or concerns to them. Passengers will see a "high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains" over the weekend, Loveless said.
The two suspects, born in the UK, are being held at separate police stations and were arrested just eight minutes after emergency calls were made. British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless described the incident as "shocking" and said there was no indication that it was a terrorist attack.
However, Loveless did acknowledge that the national code word for a potential "marauding terror attack" had been initiated during the immediate response to the attack. The declaration was later rescinded but no motive for the attack has been disclosed at this time.
Passengers on the train reported scenes of panic and chaos, with some running through the carriages and others seeking safety in the toilets. One passenger, Olly Foster, said he heard people shouting "run, run, there's a guy literally stabbing everyone" and initially thought it might have been a Halloween prank.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the UK, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III expressing their condolences to those affected. The train service has been severely disrupted, with London North Eastern Railway confirming that major disruption is expected on the route until Monday.
As police continue to investigate the attack, they are urging passengers to report any information or concerns to them. Passengers will see a "high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains" over the weekend, Loveless said.