LONDON — Ten people were hospitalized following a mass stabbing on a train traveling to London, with nine of the victims suffering life-threatening injuries. British Transport Police declared the incident a "major incident" and stated that counter-terrorism police are assisting in the investigation.

The attack occurred on Saturday evening as the train was en route to Huntingdon, a market town located a few miles northwest of Cambridge. In a statement released early Sunday, police confirmed that emergency services responded quickly as the train arrived at the station.

"Ten people have been taken to hospital with nine believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries," the police statement said. "This has been declared a major incident and Counter Terrorism Policing are supporting our investigation whilst we work to establish the full circumstances and motivation for this incident."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern, stating that his "thoughts are with all those affected" by the "appalling incident."

Emergency responders, including armed police and air ambulances, were on the scene shortly after the train arrived at Huntingdon station at approximately 7:39 p.m. The British Transport Police, which oversees security on trains, reported that multiple individuals were stabbed on the Doncaster to London King's Cross service.

The motive for the attack has not yet been disclosed. Local police confirmed that two individuals were arrested at the station, which is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) north of London.

Paul Bristow, the mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, described the situation as "horrendous scenes" on the train.

London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which operates the East Coast Mainline services, confirmed the incident and advised passengers to avoid travel due to significant disruptions.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and the motivations behind it.