VIOLENCE on the rail network is getting worse and train staff are most at risk, it has been revealed.

There has been a worrying rise in the number of assaults, particularly on London Underground workers. Graffiti is also a major problem - up by 75 per cent.

After the British Transport Police released the crime statistics, RMT union secretary Bob Crow said guards were needed on all trains and at every station in order to tackle the rising tide of attacks.

Mr Crow said: "Our members all too often bear the brunt of aggressive, drunken behaviour, particularly at night and particularly when working alone, or receive unacceptable abuse and threats from commuters frustrated by late-running trains.

"For too long rail employers have cut staff simply to save money and the price has been an increase in assaults and abuse against our members."

Mr Crow believes CCTV cameras should be used in conjunction with guards and not as a substitute.

He said: "CCTV cameras can help, but there is no substitute for an adequate presence of uniformed staff, backed up by a zero-tolerance policy from rail employers and a properly resourced and responsive transport police force.

"Our members want to be able to work in safety, and members of the public, particularly women travelling alone, do not want to have to run the gauntlet on deserted, desolate stations late at night or worry about being attacked in a train carriage."

Mr Crow hoped that more money would now be pumped into station staff and guards. He stressed: "This cost-cutting trend needs to be reversed for everyone's benefit."

Andy Byford, spokesperson for Kent's rail operator South Eastern Trains, spoke to KM-fm about the graffiti problem...