London is one of several major terminals across the country that can expect to see a “surge” in police presence at train stations until at least Tuesday, government sources have told PA news agency.
This follows a knife attack on a Doncaster to London King’s Cross train on Saturday (November 1), which left at least 10 people in hospital – two of whom are still fighting for their lives.
Patrols will be stepped up across as much of the rail network as possible, with a particular focus expected in cities such as Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester.
READ MORE: Two British men arrested after mass stabbing on train to King’s Cross
However, officers are likely to be most visible in London and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire – where the train was diverted last night – government sources said.
In a statement after the attack, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that passengers would see a “a high visibility presence” of police at railway stations and on trains on Sunday (November 2) to “reassure the public”.
She said: “My thoughts are with those who have been impacted by the shocking incident in Huntingdon last night, especially those still in hospital today.
“I’d like to pay enormous tribute to the staff and officers who responded, and the public for their patience and cooperation.
“I am receiving regular updates from the British Transport Police who are leading the response to this awful incident, as well as LNER and other organisations involved.”
Supt John Loveless from the British Transport Police (BTP) also said that there would be a “high visibility” presence of officers at stations today to “respond to any concerns”.
READ MORE: LIVE updates as two fighting for life after ‘horrific’ stabbing on train to London
The stabbing spree happened on the 6.25pm LNER service on Saturday, with police first receiving 999 calls at around 7.40pm – after which the train made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon, in Cambridgeshire.
Armed police boarded the train and arrested two British men within eight minutes of the first 999 calls.
This paper asked the Metropolitan Police whether they would be deploying any extra officers near transport hubs in the capital, to assisst BTP colleagues, but we were directed to the BTP.
