Police release man arrested in connection with knife attack on UK train as they provide major updates
A man arrested in connection with the horrific knife attack which sent shockwaves throughout the UK has been released, police have announced.
Officials have shared an update on the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident on Saturday (1 November) evening, which left ten people hospitalised.
Chaos erupted on board a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train which was bound for the UK capital after a knife-wielding attacker went on a rampage.
Two men - a black British national and a British national of Caribbean descent - were arrested in the wake of the incident and taken to separate police stations for questioning.
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A 32-year-old man, from Peterborough, remains in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder following the train attack. He is now being treated as 'the only suspect'.
However, a 35-year-old man has now been released with no further action as it was confirmed he was 'not involved', the British Transport Police (BTP) said.
It explained: "A 35-year-old man from London who was also arrested at the scene has been released with no further action.
"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."
Passengers described scenes of 'pure panic' as they told how they witnessed people being stabbed in carriages, before armed cops then boarded the train when it made an emergency stop in Huntingdon.
Ten people were taken to hospital, with nine suffering life-threatening injuries, the BTP said last night.
Five of the casualties have now been discharged, although one person is still fighting for their life, police said during their latest update on the investigation.
The victim is a member of LNER rail staff who was on the train at the time and bravely tried to stop the attacker.
"Detectives have reviewed the CCTV from the train and it is clear his actions were nothing short of heroic and undoubtedly saved many people's lives," the BTP said.
Police said that the suspect boarded the train, which was heading to King's Cross after originally departing from Doncaster, in Peterborough.
Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: "Our investigation is moving at pace and 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."
A knife has also been recovered from the scene, cops revealed.
As of this morning, the train remains at the platform after its emergency stop last night, with roads around the station closed as forensic tents have been put up near the scene, the BBC reports.
BTP Chief Superintendent Chris Casey said earlier: "This is a shocking incident and first and foremost my thoughts are with those who have been injured this evening and their families.
“We’re conducting urgent enquiries to establish what has happened, and it could take some time before we are in a position to confirm anything further.
"At this early stage, it would not be appropriate to speculate on the causes of the incident.
“Our response is ongoing at the station and will be for some time. Cordons are in place and trains are not currently running through the area, and there are also some road closures.
“I thank the public for their patience and their cooperation this evening, which has already greatly assisted our policing response. We will update you again as soon as we have more information."
Those onboard the train have heaped praise on a heroic older man who reportedly sustained a gash on his head and neck after 'blocking' the attacker from stabbing a young girl.
LNER Managing Director David Horne also applauded the actions of 'the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions', as well as the emergency services for their 'quick and professional response'.
Olivia Burke