Tributes have been paid to the train manager who was seriously injured in Saturday night’s stabbing attacks on an LNER train.

The train manager tried to stop the attacks, and is in hospital with ‘life-threatening’ injuries.

The driver of the train from Doncaster, Andrew Johnson (pictured), has also been praised for his speedy response, because he liased swiftly with control when the alarm was raised south of Peterborough, so that his train could be diverted from the up through line at Huntingdon to the slow line platform, where police could board the train.

Last night, ASLEF organiser in the north-east of England and lead officer with LNER Nigel Roebuck told the BBC: ‘The driver did everything he was trained to do, at the right time and in the right way.

‘He brought the train into a station where passengers could disembark safely and where police, fire and rescue, and ambulance crew could get on to the train and attend to the victims and, we believe, catch the culprit.

‘He showed real courage, real dedication, and real determination in the most difficult of circumstances. Our thoughts tonight are with his colleague who is still in intensive care.’

A police statement said: ‘Five casualties have now been discharged from hospital and one remains in a life-threatening condition. This casualty is a member of LNER rail staff who was on the train at the time and 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.’

Although two men were arrested after the incident on board the 18.02 from York to London King’s Cross, one was released without charge last night.

British Transport Police said: ‘Detectives investigating a multiple stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire can this evening confirm a 32-year old man who was arrested is now being treated as the only suspect.

‘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.

‘The 32-year old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody. He is from Peterborough and it is known that he boarded the train at Peterborough station. A knife was recovered by officers at the scene.’

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said: ‘Specialist detectives are looking into the background of the suspect we have in custody and the events that led up to the attack.

‘This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact.  My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the brave member of rail staff whose family are being supported by specialist officers.’

LNER managing director David Horne said the company and staff were ‘deeply shocked and saddened’ by the events of Saturday night.

He added that he thanked the emergency services for their ’quick and professional response’, and continued: ’I would also like to recognise the driver, crew and our operational response colleagues for their bravery and quick actions.’

Huntingdon station may not reopen to southbound trains before Wednesday, although the other lines through the station are now open again. 

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