Huntingdon train victim says attacker was 'stabbing everyone - blood everywhere'

Witnesses have described what they saw during a multiple stabbing on a train yesterday. 11 people have been treated in hospital and two remained in a "life-threatening condition" this morning. Four victims have now been discharged. Olly Foster, who was in coach H, was listening to an audiobook when a man "suddenly ran past screaming, 'Run! Run! There's a guy stabbing literally everyone and everything.'"

Mr Foster initially thought that he some fellow travellers thought that this was a "joke" or "Halloween prank". But they "quickly realised they were serious" as they saw the look on their face. Mr Foster's hand became "covered in blood" after he touched a chair as he ran through the carriage. He told the BBC: "There was blood on the top of countless chairs, coming from two of the guys who had been severely stabbed ahead of me." He then described heroism displayed by an older male passenger.

Mr Foster said: "A young girl was distraught as the attacker tried to stab her, but a hero of an older man got in the way taking a gash on his forehead and I think another on his neck."

He and other passengers fled to the end of the train and tried to find a weapon to defend themselves.

A person known to Mr Foster armed himself with a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Extra police officers will be deployed across the rail network following the knife attack near Huntingdon, Government sources told PA.

They said a "surge" in police presence will take place until at least Tuesday, likely to be focused on major terminals such as London, Birmingham, York, Leeds and Manchester, as well as at Huntingdon.

The Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, paid tribute to the bravery of staff and passengers on the train and confirmed the attack was not being treated as terrorism.

She wrote on social media: "After last night's horrific attack, my thoughts today are with the victims, their friends and family.

"My deepest thanks go to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service. They responded rapidly, with the utmost professionalism and saved lives.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train.

"We now know this attack is not being treated as terrorism, and that two British-born, British nationals have been arrested.

"The investigation is ongoing, and I am receiving regular updates from the police."