The Overground service was part-suspended yesterday after the stabbing Pic: Wikimedia Commons

A man was stabbed during rush hour yesterday on an overground train at Hackney Central Overground station, sparking a “stampede” by commuters.

The British Transport Police (BTP) said their officers dealt with the stabbing within minutes and that the victim was taken to hospital, where he remains in a serious yet stable condition.

A BTP spokesperson added that a “55-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon, and remains in custody”.

Reports suggest that the man was shouting inaudibly before he stabbed another person with a twelve-inch blade.

Witnesses described how panic broke out on the train with one Tweeting: “Full on stampede on the train after a man was attacked on the train coming into Hackney Central, 5 feet away from where I was sitting, people dropped phones and bags, hope victim is OK.”

Full on stampede on the train after a man was attacked on the train coming into Hackney Central, 5 feet away from where I was sitting, people dropped phones and bags, hope victim is OK.

— Hazel Orton (@hazeletonham) October 2, 2018

The overground service was suspended between Highbury & Islington and Stratford, but is now running normally again.

Police are asking for anyone that saw anything suspicious in this area to get in touch by calling 0800 40 50 40 – quoting reference 512.