British Transport Police has provided a significant update on the mass stabbing incident aboard a London-bound train, confirming investigators are pursuing a single suspect whilst ruling out terrorism.

A 32-year-old British man remains detained on suspicion of attempted murder following the violent attack on Saturday evening. The LNER service, travelling from Doncaster to King’s Cross, was diverted to Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire after the incident unfolded. Witnesses described passengers disembarking “drenched in blood” as emergency services mounted a major response.

British Transport Police, having previously stated there was “nothing to suggest” a terrorist motive, has now revealed crucial developments in the case.

Suspect Joined Service at Peterborough

The detained man, a Peterborough resident who has not been publicly identified, boarded the train when it stopped at Peterborough station at 7:30pm Saturday evening. Authorities have previously confirmed he is a Black British national.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy stated: “We are confident we are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident. As would be expected, specialist detectives are looking into the background of the suspect we have in custody and the events that led up to the attack.”

Officers recovered a knife at the scene. Throughout Sunday, investigators continued examining evidence at Huntingdon station, approximately 17 miles from Peterborough.

Second Detained Man Released Without Charge

A 35-year-old London man, also arrested at the scene, has been released with no further action taken against him.

Mistaken Identity Report Made in Good Faith

Police confirmed the 35-year-old had no involvement in the attack, though witnesses initially reported his participation.

BTP explained: “It was reported in good faith to officers responding to the incident that he was involved in the attack, and following enquiries we can confirm that he was not involved.”

Railway Staff Member Remains Critical

Ten people required hospital treatment following the attack, with an eleventh self-admitting later Saturday evening. Nine initially suffered injuries described as life-threatening.

Five patients have since been discharged. However, one victim—an LNER staff member working on the train—remains in critical condition fighting for his life.

Heroic Intervention Prevented Further Casualties

The critically injured staff member confronted the attacker during the rampage, with police crediting his actions with preventing additional fatalities.

Deputy Chief Constable Cundy praised the railway worker’s courage: “Having viewed the CCTV from the train, the actions of the member of rail staff were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved people’s lives.”

The staff member’s identity has not been disclosed. His family is receiving support from specialist officers.

LNER Managing Director David Horne said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by yesterday’s incident and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected, particularly our colleague who remains in a life-threatening condition, and their family. I would like to thank the emergency services for their quick and professional response and the care they provided to those injured. I would also like to recognise the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions.”