In a moment of chaos, an ordinary couple in Huntingdon became unexpected heroes as terrified passengers fled a knife attack aboard a London-bound train.
A quiet Saturday evening turned into a night of fear and confusion for passengers aboard an LNER train travelling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.
Huntingdon Couple Offer Shelter to Train Attack Victims
Moments after the train passed Peterborough, a violent knife attack broke out, forcing the service to make an emergency stop at Huntingdon Station, an unscheduled halt prompted by sheer necessity.
That’s when Jan and Les Sears, who live just minutes from the station, found themselves face-to-face with frightened passengers seeking safety.
“We are just everyday people that would help anyone, you can’t see someone suffering, someone being frightened, you just help them,” said Mrs Sears.
The couple opened their home to six people: a father with two children, two friends, and a lone young woman, all fleeing the scene of the harrowing attack. One of the girls had visible blood on her clothing. Another, Mr Sears recalled, was “so distraught” she couldn’t bear to be left alone.
“We Had to Help”: Couple’s Quick Response Eases Trauma
The doorbell rang unexpectedly. It was dark, and at first, the Searses thought it might be a prank. But what they found on the doorstep was far from a joke.
Mrs Sears urged her husband to check. “Les opened the door and let them in. There were six people… they were told something had happened on a train and just to run as fast as they could and get as far away as they could,” she recalled.
Once inside, the couple offered food, drinks, and comfort to the traumatised group. Mr Sears helped clean blood from one young woman’s clothes, while Mrs Sears tried to calm the children and reassure the distraught parents.
“The dad was very anxious, obviously, he wanted to make sure his children were alright. All he wanted to do was give them a hug.”
Their flat became a safe haven until the passengers’ relatives arrived to collect them.
Court Hears Multiple Attempted Murder Charges
In the aftermath, 32-year-old Anthony Williams was arrested and later charged with 11 counts of attempted murder. He also faces charges for possession of a bladed article and actual bodily harm linked to an alleged assault on a police officer while in custody.
Emergency services were first alerted at 19:39 GMT, and the train was diverted to Huntingdon shortly after. Ten people were transported to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, with another seeking treatment later.
A Night the Community Won’t Forget
This horrifying incident has left many shaken, but it’s the bravery and compassion of everyday citizens like Jan and Les Sears that offer a silver lining.
“You just don’t think, you do it without thinking. We were just there at the right time… we had to help them,” Mrs Sears said modestly. “We didn’t do anything.”
While police investigations continue, the couple’s kindness reminds us that, even in the darkest moments, humanity endures.
Train Attack Fallout: Key Points
- Incident occurred on Doncaster to London train near Peterborough.
- Emergency stop made at Huntingdon following multiple 999 calls.
- Ten hospitalised, suspect arrested shortly after.
- Local couple provided emergency shelter for six passengers.
LNER Incident Leaves Passengers Traumatised, Locals Praised
In the aftermath of Saturday’s violence, authorities are reviewing transport safety measures. Meanwhile, those helped by the Searses are said to be recovering, thanks in part to the couple’s selfless act.
Their small home, in a quiet town, became a beacon of hope during a night few will forget.
