BBC Breakfast’s Jon Kay shared devastating news just minutes into the show as he issued a warning to viewers.
During Wednesday’s (June 18) episode of the hit show, the 55 year old presenter returned to our TV screens alongside co-host Sally Nugent, 53 as they covered the day’s biggest news stories.
Yet, it was a few short minutes into the broadcast when the presenting duo shared the heartbreaking news of a recent stabbing.
Passengers travelling from Doncaster to London were attacked in a mass stabbing on a train on Saturday night. Eleven people received treatment in hospital following the attack. One – a member of the train staff – is in a life-threatening condition.
Speaking to viewers at home, Sally opened the show by saying: “Good morning. It’s Monday, the 3rd of November. Extra police officers are being deployed across England’s rail network today, after passengers were attacked in a mass stabbing on a train from Doncaster to London.”
Jon explained: “One member of rail staff remains in a life-threatening condition this morning. A 32-year-old man from Peterborough is now the only suspect.
Before cutting over to the full report from BBC reporter Aruna Lyengar, Jon warned: “Just a warning there are some flashing images in her report.”
The British Transport Police have ruled out the motivation of terrorism. Five victims have now been discharged from hospital, however a “heroic” railway worker remains in hospital fighting for his life.
Later on, Jon and Sally were joined by Thomas McLachlan, who was on the train before it made an emergency stop at Huntingdon.
Appearing on the show via video link, he recalled the horrific moment as he explained: “It was chaos. I stepped off the train and I was just looking around seeing the worried faces of people, who had clearly seen things they shouldn’t have seen.”
He continued: “I saw people absolutely drenched in blood walking towards the exit. They were walking quite calmly considering the circumstance but I guess that is the effects of shock.
“Many of the injured managed to get themselves to the exit and then from there the response from the first responders seemed to be instantaneous.”
Thomas added: “It felt like seconds before we left the station that they were outside ready to help those who had been injured.The armed police headed to the platform to attack the attacker, it was so well coordinated. Very impressive.”
BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer
