Record high assaults reported on UK railway passengers and staff in 2025-26

The Office of Rail and Road published statistics revealing a record number of assaults on passengers and members of the public using Britain’s mainline rail network between April 2025 and March 2026, totaling 13,464 incidents - the highest since the agency began tracking such data in 2004 and representing a 36% rise over the prior year. Violence against rail workers also climbed, with 11,289 reported cases, up 12% from the previous period, comprising 6,390 verbal abuse incidents, 2,487 physical assaults and 2,412 threats.

The majority of passenger-related offences were classified as harassment or common assault. Richard Hines, the ORR’s chief inspector of railways, called the increase “concerning” and said the regulator is collaborating with industry and trade unions to implement new guidance, improve risk identification, enforce controls, encourage reporting and provide support to staff. Inspectors will continue monitoring how rail operators manage these risks.