Prayers after train knife attack

police
 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

Local church leaders have been praying after a knife attack on a train in England on Saturday evening left more than a dozen people injured, two of them critically. 

The attack happened on the 18:25 LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross, triggering a large-scale police and medical response. Authorities say it is not being treated as terrorism. 

An unnamed staff member is in life-threatening condition after their "heroic" intervention, which police said had saved many lives. The driver has also been praised after diverting the service into an emergency stop at Huntingdon station.

A 32-year-old man is in police custody following the incident, and is the only suspect. 

Investigators are reviewing CCTV and forensic evidence in an attempt to establish a timeline and motive. 

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Cundy said that no evidence of terror links has been found so far, and that counterterrorism units which initially assisted have stepped back.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as “appalling” and expressed his thanks to the emergency teams for their swift response. King Charles said he was “truly appalled and shocked” by the attack. 

Father Philip Shryane, a priest at St Michael the Archangel, told The Guardian newspaper that prayers were said for those affected during the Sunday service. 

Charlie Newcombe, of Christ Church Huntingdon, told The Times that the attack had "rocked" the community and that the church was “praying very much for everyone involved".

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.