Rail assaults rise to record 25,000 incidents
Figures show significant increases in attacks on passengers and staff across Britain's railways.
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The central claim is attributed to the ORR, with named union and ORR officials quoted.
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The article explains why the figures matter, quotes affected parties, and separates fact from comment.
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The headline uses 'record high' which is supported by the text, but the overall presentation is lively.
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Assaults on Britain's railways have reached a record high, with nearly 25,000 incidents reported in the 2025-26 financial year. The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) revealed a significant increase in attacks against both passengers and railway personnel, prompting unions to call for more staff and enhanced policing.
In the 2025-26 period, there were 13,464 reported assaults on passengers and the public across the mainline railway. This represents a 36% increase compared to the previous year and is the highest number recorded by the ORR since it began tracking these figures in 2004. The ORR also noted startling rises in harassment, up 52% year on year, and common assault, which increased by 30%.
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Rise in attacks on staff
Assaults directed at rail staff also saw a marked increase, rising by 12% to 11,289 reported incidents over the same year. While this figure includes verbal abuse, it encompasses nearly 2,500 physical assaults, averaging about seven every day. The RMT union stated that two-thirds of its members had encountered some form of violence during their work in the past year.
The ORR acknowledged that the reported figures may partly reflect improved reporting mechanisms and zero-tolerance campaigns. However, unions highlighted ongoing concerns about threats faced by frontline workers and passengers, as well as the availability of transport police. Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary, described the figures as "horrendous" and called for a substantial increase in public transport staffing, an end to lone working, and stronger legal protections for transport workers.
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Richard Hines, the ORR's chief inspector of railways, stated that the increase in reported assaults was concerning and that no one on the railway should face violence, threats, or abuse. He added that the ORR is collaborating with industry partners and trade unions to address work-related violence and harassment. This includes issuing guidance to rail employers on identifying risks, implementing controls, encouraging incident reporting, and providing support to staff.
A spokesperson for Network Rail and train operators confirmed that violence, abuse, and intimidation are unacceptable and that the rail industry works with British Transport Police to investigate incidents, support victims, and prosecute offenders. They also indicated that improved intelligence sharing, reporting processes, and the increased use of CCTV and body-worn cameras contribute to the figures.
The ORR report clarified that headline assault figures can include multiple offences within a single incident, such as both harassment and common assault. For workforce assaults, incidents are now recorded even without physical injury. The report also noted that assaults on the workforce on the London Underground saw a slight decrease last year, with single counting applied in that specific instance.
Mark Phillips, chief executive of the Rail Safety and Standards Board, emphasised the need for a change in public behaviour and greater respect for railway staff. He noted that the rail industry is taking steps to enhance staff protection, but the figures highlight the necessity for improved public conduct.
Next steps
The ORR inspectors will continue to monitor how rail employers are managing risks associated with violence and harassment. The Department for Transport and British Transport Police were approached for comment regarding the reported increase in assaults.
Questions this report answers
+How many assaults were reported on Britain's railways in 2025-26?
In the 2025-26 financial year, nearly 25,000 assaults were reported on Britain's railways. This figure includes both attacks on passengers and incidents involving rail staff.
+What was the increase in assaults on passengers?
Assaults against passengers and the public rose by 36% to 13,464 incidents in 2025-26. This also included a 52% increase in harassment and a 30% rise in common assault.
+How did assaults on rail staff change?
Assaults on rail staff increased by 12% to 11,289 reported incidents in 2025-26. This figure includes verbal abuse and nearly 2,500 physical assaults on staff.
+What are unions calling for in response to the figures?
Unions, including the RMT, are calling for a significant increase in staffing levels across public transport, an end to lone working, and stronger legal protections for transport workers. They also highlighted concerns over British Transport Police funding cuts.
WE FILE
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The London Travel Desk assembled this report from the outlets listed below. Language-model drafting is reviewed under human editorial supervision, with scoring notes and corrections kept visible.
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