A police sergeant stabbed at Manchester Victoria station said "instinct took over" when he was faced with the "frenzied" knife attack on New Year's Eve.
Sergeant Lee Valentine was among three police officers first at the scene of Monday's attack, which left three people with stab injuries.
In a statement, Sergeant Valentine said he and the other officers had no idea what they were running towards when they heard screams at the station.
“The past 48 hours have been so overwhelming,” he said.
“My team and I are grateful to everyone who sent in messages of support, it really does mean the world to us.
“We had no idea what we were running towards when we heard the screams on New Year’s Eve.
“When we saw a man wielding a knife, instinct took over and we were able to, in company with Travel Safe Officers from Metrolink, successfully detain the male.”
Two commuters, a woman and man in their 50s, were also among those injured in the stabbing spree, which prompted Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to launch a counter-terrorism investigation.
The family of the 25-year-old man who was arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act on Wednesday expressed their “eternal gratitude” for the quick response of emergency services.
A statement said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were seriously injured, their families and friends.
"We are also eternally grateful for the swift response from the emergency services and the comfort given to those affected by fellow Mancunians and citizens.
“The GMP has informed us that our family member is currently detained under the Mental Health Act and is being treated by specialist medical staff."
They added: “We are acutely aware that many, including within the media, may well have many questions to ask us.
"However, we have been informed by the GMP that there is an active, ongoing terrorist investigation and as such we are limited in what we can say at this stage.”
A police spokesman said the suspect, who is being held on suspicion of attempted murder, has been assessed by specialist medical staff and police have searched his Cheetham Hill home.
BTP’s Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: “This horrific incident underlines the bravery of our officers, who selflessly ran towards danger to help keep the public safe.
“As the first officers on the scene, their quick-thinking and outstanding response helped to prevent more passengers being hurt and stands as a testament to the Force.
“Whilst this incident is an example of policing at its finest it also serves as a dark reminder of policing at its most dangerous. In their efforts to detain the suspect, one of our officers suffered a stab injury to his shoulder.
“I have met with the officer today, along with his colleagues, and I am both humbled and full of admiration at their tenacity and dedication.”
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any concerns to police.
People can report any concerns to BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.
