Commuters experienced terrifying scenes during Monday evening's rush hour as a man wielding a blade went on a rampage through Balham Underground station in south-west London.
Chaotic scenes during rush hour
The incident occurred just after 7pm on November 17, when the suspect was spotted brandishing what witnesses described as a large knife or machete. Panic erupted as the man jumped over station barriers and fled the scene, leaving frightened passengers ducking for cover and screaming in fear.
British Transport Police (BTP) have launched an urgent manhunt for the suspect and are appealing for witnesses who were either on the busy Northern line train or within the station at the time.
Social media footage reveals passenger terror
Disturbing footage shared on social media platforms shows the moment passengers realised the danger. One video captures a woman screaming 'oh my god' while others cautiously peer down the platform to see if the attacker has left.
Another witness posted on social media describing how 'people started screaming down the platform and banging on the tube windows' as the train prepared to depart Balham station heading towards Morden.
The witness account continued: 'Someone screamed "he has a knife, get off the train".' The social media user added that they didn't believe anyone was physically injured but expressed concern for everyone's safety.
Police investigation underway
In an official statement, the British Transport Police confirmed: 'Officers were called to Balham Underground station at 6.11pm yesterday following reports of a young man with a knife at the station who jumped the barrier and fled the station.'
The force has designated the incident as reference 511 of 17 November and is treating enquiries as urgent since the suspect remains at large.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40.
This alarming incident follows growing concerns about rail safety across the UK, coming just weeks after the Huntingdon train mass stabbing on November 1 that left eleven people wounded.
The British Transport Police also recently investigated another serious incident where a man was pushed onto live railway tracks at Liverpool Lime Street station in front of horrified commuters.
