Passenger is stabbed to death on board a train from Guildford to London 

A knifeman is on the run after a passenger was stabbed to death on board a train to London in front of horrified travellers this afternoon. 

Detectives have launched a murder enquiry after the victim, thought to be in his 50s, was knifed once in the neck on the 12.58pm service travelling from Guildford to Waterloo. 

Despite desperate attempts from paramedics to save his life, the man died at the scene.

The attacker is thought to have got off the train and fled into the surrounding Clandon area – just one stop into the Surrey to London journey. 

Witnesses say the murder happened after the two men began fighting. Punches were thrown before the man was stabbed. It is not know if the pair knew one and other.

Despite desperate attempts from paramedics the man died at the scene, while the attacker is thought to have got off the train fled into the surrounding Clandon area – just one stop into the Surrey to London journey (pictured is Horsley Station, where the train pulled in) 

Police are now in the area, attempting to identify and trace the man responsible for this assault. No arrests have been made yet. 

Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson from British Transport Police, said: ‘This was a shocking and violent attack which took place on-board a train in broad daylight. 

‘Officers from BTP are with the family and have deployed a specially trained family liaison officer to support them through this difficult time.

‘We know that this was an incredibly frightening incident for passengers travelling on the train. 

It is understood the murder happened after two men became involved in a scuffle following a dispute. Witnesses said that punches were thrown and the victim was then stabbed in the neck. The station remains cordoned off while police, including forensic officers, investigate

 Police are now in the area, attempting to identify and trace the man responsible for this assault. No arrests have been made yet

The attacker is thought to have got off the train fled into the surrounding Clandon area – just one stop into the Surrey to London journey. Police have cordoned off the station and are conducting investigations

‘We believe that the suspect and victim boarded the train at London Road at 1.01pm and we would encourage who was on this train to come forward regardless of whether or not they think they can help our investigation. 

‘We believe the suspect departed the train at Clandon station.

‘Passengers and members of the public can expect to see an increased presence by BTP and Surrey Police officers at Horsley and Clandon as our enquiries continue.

‘We would advise anyone in the local area who sees anyone they think maybe the suspect to contact 999 immediately.’

National Rail announced delays and cancellations following the attacking – with services on the line halted while police conduct their investigations 

View of the South Western Railway service from Guildford in Surrey to London. The attack took place on the 12.58 service today

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with any information should contact BTP by sending a text to 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40 – quoting reference 210 of 04/01/19. Or you can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

South Western Railway said: ‘Due to the police dealing with an incident between Guildford and Effingham Junction the line is blocked.

‘Train services running through these stations may be cancelled, delayed or revised. Disruption is expected until 9pm.’

Lines will remain closed while police conduct their investigations, they added.