Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has commented after a knife attack aboard a train on Saturday 1 November which left 11 people injured and sparked alarm across the UK rail network.
The incident took place aboard the London North Eastern Railway (LNER) service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, shortly after departing Peterborough railway station.
Heidi Alexander said: “My thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the shocking incident in Huntingdon last night, especially those still in hospital today.
“I’d like to pay enormous tribute to the staff and officers who responded, and the public for their patience and cooperation.
“I am receiving regular updates from the British Transport Police who are leading the response to this awful incident, as well as LNER and other organisations involved.
“Trains are now running in the area, however Huntingdon station remains closed with trains passing through. Passengers will see a high visibility presence of officers at stations and on trains throughout today who are there to reassure the public.”
A rail staff member who intervened to stop the attacker remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Heidi Alexander paid tribute to his bravery, saying to the BBC: “He put himself in harm’s way and there are people who are alive today who wouldn’t be alive had it not been for his actions.”
A 32-year-old man from Peterborough has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder, one count of actual bodily harm and one count of possession of a bladed article.
The attack is not being treated as terror-related, but raises difficult questions about passenger and staff safety on long-distance services.
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