Tube passenger assaults rise 20% to 5,534
New figures show a significant increase in attacks on the London Underground network over the past year.
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The number of reported assaults on passengers on the London Underground network has risen by 20% in the year to March 2026. Figures released by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) show that 5,534 assaults were recorded on the Tube during this period. This increase contributes to a broader trend of rising passenger assaults across Britain's railways.
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Nationwide, assaults against passengers on Britain's railways reached a record high of 13,464 between April 2025 and March 2026. This represents a 36% increase from the previous year and is the highest figure since the ORR began collecting data in 2004. Harassment and common assault accounted for the majority of these incidents. The ORR stated that these figures are concerning, with no one on the railway expected to face violence or abuse.
Assaults against rail workers on mainline networks also saw an increase, rising by 12% to 11,289 incidents. This total includes 6,390 instances of verbal abuse, 2,487 physical assaults, and 2,412 threats.
Decrease in Attacks on Tube Staff
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In contrast to the rise in passenger assaults, attacks on the London Underground workforce decreased by 3% over the same period, with 3,525 reported incidents. The ORR's chief inspector of railways, Richard Hines, indicated that the ORR is collaborating with industry partners and trade unions to address work-related violence and harassment. This includes guidance for rail employers on identifying risks, implementing controls, encouraging reporting, and providing support to staff.
Mark Phillips, chief executive of the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), commented that while the rail industry is taking steps to protect staff, the figures highlight the necessity for a shift in public behaviour and increased respect for railway personnel.
Questions this report answers
+How many assaults were reported on the London Underground?
There were 5,534 reported assaults on passengers on the London Underground network between April 2025 and March 2026. This represents a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
+What is the national picture for railway assaults?
Across Britain's railways, assaults on passengers reached a record high of 13,464 between April 2025 and March 2026, a 36% increase. Assaults on rail workers on mainline networks also rose by 12% to 11,289.
+How did assaults on London Underground staff change?
Assaults against the London Underground workforce decreased by 3% during the reporting period, with 3,525 incidents recorded. This contrasts with the rise in assaults on passengers.
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.