Reported assaults on Britain’s railways rise to nearly 25,000 a year
Unions say record high figures, including assaults on rail workers as well as members of public, show need for more staff and policing Business live – latest updates The number of reported assaults on Britain’s railways has risen to a record high of almost 25,000 incidents in a year. Unions said the “horrendous” figures showed the need for more staff and policing, as the Office of Rail and Road…
The number of reported assaults on Great Britain's railways has reached a record high of nearly 25,000 incidents in a single year, according to the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). Unions argue this surge in assaults, both against railway staff and the general public, necessitates increased staffing and strengthened policing. The ORR reported a 36% jump in assaults against passengers, with 13,464 incidents in 2025-26, the highest since tracking began in 2004.
Assaults on railway workers rose by 12% to 11,289, mostly involving verbal abuse but also approximately 2,500 physical assaults. Unions claim the figures, including a 52% increase in harassment and 30% rise in common assaults, highlight ongoing threats to frontline workers and passengers. They urge more staff and increased police presence, as well as stronger legal protections.
The RMT general secretary, Eddie Dempsey, called the numbers "horrendous" and demanded significant staffing increases and an end to lone working. British Transport Police funding cuts, unions argue, have undermined proper policing on public transport. The chief inspector of railways, Richard Hines, emphasized that no one should endure violence or threats on the railway, and the ORR is working to address work-related violence and harassment.
Network Rail and train operators condemned violence, abuse, and intimidation, stating the industry collaborates with British Transport Police to investigate incidents and bring offenders to justice. The ORR report notes that reported assaults may include multiple counts within a single incident.
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