Transport secretary thanks train attack responders

Heidi Alexander said the actions of rail staff and first responders was "nothing short of heroic"

The transport secretary has thanked rail staff and first responders for their quick thinking and brave actions following a mass stabbing on a train.

Heidi Alexander met the train's driver Andrew Johnson, LNER managing director David Horne and signaller Rob Pape in Peterborough and Huntingdon on Thursday.

Ten people who had been travelling on the 18:25 GMT LNER service from Doncaster to London King's Cross were taken to hospital on Saturday following the attack.

Alexander said: "The measures they took undoubtedly saved lives, and it was a privilege to thank them in person today for their work."

The train, which had been due to arrive in the capital, made an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon railway station when the attack happened shortly after the train passed Peterborough.

Police received the first calls from passengers about the incident at 19:39.

Alexander said: "It was an honour to meet some of the brave first responders to the horrific train attack in Huntingdon.

"It was incredibly moving to hear, and it's clear their quick thinking and selfless responses were nothing short of heroic."

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed abode, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder relating to the train stabbing and a count of attempted murder in connection with an attack in London.

Train driver Andrew Johnson said he was grateful to meet Rob Page who he had been communicating with during the attack

Former Royal Navy officer Mr Johnson was driving the train at the time and contacted the control room to get the train diverted from the fast track to the slow track after the alarm was raised.

He said: "Having my actions recognised and thanked by the secretary of state was very touching. As train drivers, we communicate regularly with signallers but rarely get to meet them.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to meet Rob and thank him for how we worked together on Saturday."

Mr Pape, a signaller on the East Coast main Line, took the emergency call from Mr Johnson and said it was "unusual" to move the train off the fast line.

He said: "It has been a real privilege and an honour to meet Andrew and thank him for his actions on Saturday.

"Throughout the emergency call he remained calm, and it helped us take the decision to move the train into the nearest station at Huntingdon.

"Andrew's calmness and impressive route knowledge helped make it a seamless process.

"Those on board are the heroes and my thoughts remain with those impacted."