UK Railway Assaults Hit Record 25,000 Incidents a Year 2026

Reported assaults on Britain's railways have surged to a record high of nearly 25,000 incidents a year, according to new figures from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The sharp rise has prompted unions to demand urgent action, including more staff and better policing across the network.

Record-Breaking Assault Figures on UK Railways

The ORR data reveals that 13,464 assaults were reported against passengers and members of the public on the mainline railway in 2025-26. That is a 36% increase on the previous year and the highest number since the ORR began tracking these figures in 2004. Assaults on rail staff also rose by 12% to 11,289 reported incidents, including nearly 2,500 physical assaults — an average of about seven every day.

Within the passenger figures, cases of harassment jumped by 52% year on year, while common assault rose by 30%. These numbers partly reflect increased reporting and zero-tolerance campaigns, but unions warn they also underline a real and growing threat to frontline workers and travellers.

Key Takeaways

• Record high: Nearly 25,000 reported assaults on Britain's railways in a single year.
• Passenger assaults: Up 36% to 13,464 incidents, the highest since 2004.
• Staff assaults: Up 12% to 11,289 incidents, including about 2,500 physical attacks.
• Harassment surge: Reported harassment cases rose by 52% year on year.
• Union demands: RMT calls for more staff, policing, and a zero-tolerance approach.

Comparing the Rise in Railway Assaults

The table below summarises the year-on-year changes in reported assaults on Britain's railways.

Union Response and Calls for Action

The RMT general secretary, Eddie Dempsey, described the figures as "horrendous" and said they chimed with the union's own surveys showing that two-thirds of members had experienced some form of violence at work in the past year. He called for a significant increase in staffing and policing to protect both workers and passengers.

Unions argue that the rise in assaults is not just a matter of better reporting but reflects a deteriorating environment on the railways. They point to reduced staffing levels, fewer visible police officers, and a lack of deterrents as key factors. The ORR has also highlighted concerns about the availability of transport police.

What This Means for Passengers and Staff

For passengers, the figures paint a worrying picture of safety on Britain's railways. Harassment and common assault are rising sharply, and many incidents go unreported. For staff, the threat of verbal abuse and physical violence is a daily reality, with nearly 2,500 physical assaults recorded last year alone.

The ORR and unions agree that a combination of increased reporting, zero-tolerance campaigns, and more frontline staff is needed to reverse the trend. Without action, the record numbers may continue to climb.

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