Assaults on Britain’s railways rise to record high of almost 25,000

Reported assaults on Great Britain’s railways have reached a record level. Office of Rail and Road figures include threats, verbal abuse and physical contact that may not have caused injury.

There were almost 25,000 incidents in 2025-26, a rise of one-fifth from the previous year. Nearly 2,500 involved physical assaults on workers, an average of about seven each day.

The RMT and TSSA unions have called for more staff at stations and increased policing. They said the number of British Transport Police officers fell by more than 10% between 2024 and 2026.

Passenger assaults rise faster

Reported assaults on passengers increased by 36% last year. The rail industry and police said some of the rise reflected improved reporting, including discreet text messages to British Transport Police.

Many incidents still go unreported. Passengers described sexual harassment, homophobic abuse and attacks on trains; some said the experiences had made them avoid public transport.

Police promise stronger response

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said violence against passengers and staff would “never be tolerated”. He said offenders were brought to justice in about 85% of incidents when staff had body-worn recording.

The Department for Transport called the increase “deeply concerning and unacceptable”. It has pledged an extra £63m in BTP funding by 2028-29, enabling the recruitment of more than 200 officers and investment in CCTV and body-worn video.

Dozens of new officers will specialise in violence and intimidation against women and girls. Police urged people to report incidents by texting 61016, or to call 999 in an emergency.