Rail assaults reach record high with 36% rise
Figures show a significant increase in attacks on passengers and staff across mainline and Underground services.
The number of reported assaults against passengers and the public on Britain's mainline railways has reached an all-time high. Between April 2025 and March 2026, there were 13,464 such incidents, according to data released by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). This represents a 36% increase compared to the previous year and is the highest total since the ORR started recording this data in 2004. The majority of these incidents involved harassment and common assault.
London Underground sees significant rise
The increase in assaults is also evident on the London Underground network. Reported attacks on passengers and the public on the Underground system climbed to 5,534 during the same period. This marks a 20% rise from the preceding year. The ORR data indicates that harassment and common assault were the predominant types of incidents across both mainline and Underground services.
Rail workers also targeted
Beyond passengers, assaults against railway staff on mainline networks have also seen an increase. These incidents rose by 12% compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 11,289. The ORR reported that these assaults against workers included 6,390 instances of verbal abuse, 2,487 physical assaults, and 2,412 threats.
Richard Hines, the ORR's chief inspector of railways, described the overall increase in assault reports as "concerning". He stated that no one using or working on the railway should face violence, threats, or abuse. 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 incident reporting, and providing support to staff.
Next steps
The ORR's inspectors will continue to monitor and assess how rail employers are managing the risks associated with violence and harassment. Further guidance and checks are expected to be implemented to address the rising trend in assaults across the rail network.
Questions this report answers
01How many assaults were reported on mainline railways?
Between April 2025 and March 2026, there were 13,464 reported assaults against people who are not part of the railway workforce on mainline services. This is the highest number recorded since 2004 and represents a 36% increase from the previous year.
02What was the increase in assaults on the London Underground?
Assaults on the London Underground network rose to 5,534 incidents between April 2025 and March 2026. This figure shows a 20% increase compared to the previous year, with harassment and common assault being the most frequent types of incidents.
03How many assaults were reported against rail workers?
Assaults against rail workers on mainline networks increased by 12% to 11,289 incidents between April 2025 and March 2026. These included verbal abuse, physical assaults, and threats, according to ORR data.
Support is available without a police report
Find London services, specialist support and the rights set out in the Victims’ Code. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Find victim supportSend a correction or case update
If a hearing, charge or outcome has changed, send the court, case number and source document so we can update the record.
Contact the deskContinue the investigation
Transport CrimeBoy, 11, killed by train near Kenley level crossing
Transport CrimeMan punched after reporting barrier jumper at Clapham Junction
Transport CrimeHackney Floating Bus Stops Spark Safety Fears