LONDON — British police have ruled out terrorism in a mass stabbing attack on a train heading to London, which occurred Saturday evening. Two victims remain in life-threatening condition following the incident, which has left the community in shock.

Authorities arrested two men, both born in the UK, shortly after the first emergency calls were made at 7:42 p.m. Passengers reported scenes of panic, with many fleeing through the train carriages and some seeking refuge in the restrooms.

“This is a shocking incident, and my thoughts are with those who have been injured and their families,” said British Transport Police Superintendent John Loveless outside the station in Huntingdon, where the train made an emergency stop. He emphasized, “There is nothing to suggest this is a terrorist incident.”

The suspects, a 32-year-old Black British man and a 35-year-old man of Caribbean descent, are being held at separate police stations on suspicion of attempted murder. The nature of their relationship and the type of weapon used in the attack have not been disclosed.

Loveless provided an update on the victims, stating that the number of individuals in life-threatening condition has decreased from nine to two. Four people have been discharged from the hospital, and one additional person was treated, bringing the total number of individuals receiving care to 11.

After the train stopped in Huntingdon, located about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of London, bloodied and confused passengers exited the train as armed police awaited their arrival. The two suspects were apprehended within eight minutes of the first emergency calls.

In response to the attack, police initiated “Plato,” a national code word used for potential terror incidents. This declaration was later lifted, and no motive for the attack has been revealed. Loveless stated, “At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.”

The attack occurred on the 6:25 p.m. train from Doncaster to London’s King’s Cross station, which was midway through its journey after departing from Peterborough. Passenger Olly Foster recounted the chaos, saying he heard people shouting, “run, run, there’s a guy literally stabbing everyone.” Initially, he thought it might have been a Halloween prank, as the incident took place the day after Halloween. However, he soon realized the severity of the situation when he noticed blood on his hand from a chair he had leaned against.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his concern, stating his “thoughts are with all those affected” by the “appalling incident.” King Charles III and Queen Camilla also extended their sympathies, expressing that they were “truly appalled and shocked to hear of the dreadful knife attack.”

London North Eastern Railway (LNER), which operates the East Coast Mainline services, confirmed the incident and announced that there would be significant disruptions on the route until Monday. Loveless assured the public that there would be a “high visibility presence of police officers at stations and on trains” on Sunday to ensure passenger safety.