After the horrifying Huntingdon knife attack on a crowded train last weekend, I find myself constantly on edge when traveling or walking through city streets. Many others, especially women, share the same deep sense of fear.
An unsettling air of danger now seems to hover over the country. A series of brutal crimes has made one message painfully clear: safety can no longer be taken for granted. Knife assaults, often deadly, have become so frequent that many no longer even reach the headlines unless they involve extreme brutality.
Authorities warn against using phones publicly, particularly in London, where they are easily snatched by gangs on e-bikes. Police now advise surrendering valuables immediately during a robbery and assuming that attackers may resort to violence without provocation.
“Don’t listen to music or a podcast on headphones. Don’t look a stranger in the eye or close your eyes to rest. It could cost you your life.”
The spirit of courageous bystanders has also turned tragic. In Uxbridge, 49-year-old council worker Wayne Broadhurst was killed after reportedly stepping in to help a man threatened with a knife. Incidents like this serve as grim reminders that even acts of bravery can have devastating outcomes.
As violence grows more unpredictable, many women now avoid going out alone after dark, afraid of becoming the next victim of senseless attacks.
Fear and violence grip public spaces across the UK, leaving many—especially women—feeling unsafe and forced to remain constantly alert.