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A courageous train staff member who intervened to protect travelers during a multiple stabbing attack on a high-speed train has suffered critical injuries, police stated on Sunday.

Particulars of the Frightening Incident

Surveillance video allegedly shows the staff member trying to stop the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Witnesses described a frightening 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with bloodied passengers running through compartments.

The suspect, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Authorities declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.

Crisis Reaction and Aftermath

The event on the weekend led to 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several individuals have since been released from hospital.

A witness filmed the individual waving a large knife and being subdued with a stun device as he faced police on the station. He was allegedly heard shouting, "End my life, kill me."

“This terrible incident has affected many people. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the courageous member of train personnel whose relatives are being supported by specialist personnel,” stated a high-ranking law enforcement officer.

Union Reaction and Appeals for Action

Train unions were quick to commend employees and demand increased action. A union leader stated he would be “seeking immediate meetings with authorities, train companies and police to ensure that we have the strongest available support, tools and effective procedures in place”.

Another association representative encouraged the train operator and authorities “to act swiftly to review safety, to support the impacted employees, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.

Operator Praised for Rapid Thinking

The train driver who stopped the train at Huntingdon was reported as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been commended by union representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.

“He did not stop the train in the center of two stations where it’s obviously challenging for the first responders to reach, but he carried on going until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was almost waiting,” explained a union official.

Additional Information

Police said they got the initial distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

An observer recounted initially wondering if the situation was a holiday joke, but quickly understood from people's expressions that it was real.

Authorities have stated there is nothing to indicate the event was a terrorist incident and have requested the community to provide with any further information.

Train services on the impacted route are anticipated to experience delays until Monday, with travelers recommended to postpone their journeys where possible.

Individuals with information that could assist the investigation are asked to contact police by texting a designated number with a case code.