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Train assaults hit record high of nearly 25,000 incidents as harassment surges by MORE THAN HALF

From the Newshound archive · first published 24 September 2026 · last updated 25 September 2026.

A South Western Railway train. South Western Railway is among the rail operators whose networks have seen assaults on passengers surge 36% to a record high since records began.
A South Western Railway train. South Western Railway is among the rail operators whose networks have seen assaults on passengers surge 36% to a record high since records began.

Violent and threatening incidents on Britain's railways have surged to the highest level since records began in 2004, with nearly 25,000 assaults on passengers and rail staff reported in a single year. Harassment of the travelling public jumped 52% year on year, while physical and verbal attacks on workers averaged seven physical assaults every day. The Office of Rail and Road called the figures "concerning" and said it had joined forces with the industry to address the crisis. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey warned that two-thirds of his members had experienced workplace violence in the past year.

Passenger assaults on mainline rail rose 36% to 13,464 — the worst figure since tracking began in 2004.

Dempsey called the figures "horrendous" and said British Transport Police funding cuts 'have been disastrous'.

Staff faced 11,289 reported assaults, including nearly 2,500 physical attacks — unions are demanding more staff and policing.

MoreThe GuardianTell us: have you been assaulted on Great Britain’s railways?The GuardianReported assaults on Great Britain’s railways rise by fifth in a yearBBC News - BusinessReported assaults on Britain's rail services rise by more than a thirdiNewsRecord number of assaults on Britain's trains – what to knowEvening StandardRecord assaults on passengers and public on Britain’s railways
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