British Transport Police state the incident near Reading is not being treated as terror-related, easing broader security concerns.
READING, England — British Transport Police (BTP) have arrested two men in connection with a stabbing attack on an intercity train service late Saturday night. Officials confirmed Sunday that the incident, which left three passengers injured, is not being treated as an act of terrorism.
The attack occurred on a Great Western Railway (GWR) service traveling from London Paddington as it approached Reading station, a major hub west of London. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden altercation, which prompted an emergency stop of the train.
BTP officers, alongside local Thames Valley Police, met the train at the station. “Two individuals were apprehended at the scene, and a weapon was recovered,” a BTP spokesperson said in a statement. “The injured parties are receiving medical treatment; one is in serious but stable condition.”
The investigation continued overnight. In a key update Sunday morning, BTP command clarified the motive. “Following a thorough investigation, we can definitively rule out a terrorist motive,” an official said. “We believe this was an isolated incident.”
Why This Matters for U.S. Rail Travelers
While this incident occurred in the UK, U.S. rail operators like Amtrak closely monitor international security events. The open nature of most rail systems, which lack airport-style screening, makes them potential “soft targets.”
Security analysts note that high-profile attacks on trains, regardless of motive, often trigger reviews of onboard security protocols. The Amtrak Police Department (APD) and the TSA’s Visible Intermodal Prevention and Response (VIPR) teams often use such incidents to reassess patrol strategies and visibility on high-traffic routes, such as the Northeast Corridor.
What’s Next
GWR services through Reading experienced significant delays and cancellations overnight but are expected to resume a near-normal schedule by Monday morning, though passengers are advised to check National Rail enquiries.
The two suspects remain in custody for questioning.