Tube inspector faces disciplinary action after intervening in violent attack

A London Underground inspector is facing disciplinary proceedings after intervening in a violent incident at Bond Street station. The inspector, a member of the RMT union, stepped in during an attack by two fare evaders on staff and a passenger last October.

The two individuals had been stopped for fare evasion when the situation escalated into verbal and physical assaults. The inspector intervened to protect those being attacked, using what the RMT described as the minimum force necessary to prevent further harm.

Union challenges disciplinary action

Despite the circumstances, the inspector now faces disciplinary action from London Underground Limited for allegedly breaching company policy. The RMT union has announced it will write to London Underground to demand a full explanation of how the inspector's actions were evaluated.

Eddie Dempsey, RMT general secretary, stated that members should be able to defend themselves and the public during violent encounters, and that their responses should be judged considering the violence they face. He added that assaults are becoming a regular occurrence for staff, who should not feel threatened while working.

Broader concerns over staff safety

The incident raises wider questions about the expectations placed on frontline transport workers when confronted with violence. It also occurs amidst rising concerns about assaults on Tube staff across the network. Figures from the Office of Rail and Road show that reported assaults on Tube staff and passengers reached a record high of 5,534 between April 2025 and March 2026. The majority of these incidents involved harassment and common assaults.

Fare evasion remains a significant issue for Transport for London (TfL), with an estimated 3.5 per cent evasion rate leading to an annual loss of between £190 million and £211 million. The two individuals involved in the Bond Street incident were arrested, charged, and subsequently convicted at City of London Magistrates' Court.

A TfL spokesperson commented that any violence or abuse directed at staff or customers is unacceptable. They acknowledged the challenging situations faced by frontline colleagues and affirmed a commitment to supporting them. The spokesperson declined to comment further on the specific employment matter but confirmed that all incidents are carefully considered in line with TfL policies.

What happens next

The RMT union plans to formally write to London Underground to seek clarification on the disciplinary process. The passenger who was assaulted has reportedly written to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to express their dissatisfaction with the action taken against the inspector.