Incident on East Midlands train raises further concerns about railway safety 

Rail union TSSA has said it is concerned after a violent incident on an East Midlands Railway (EMR) train travelling from Derby to London St Pancras early this morning. 

It’s understood a man travelling without a ticket became aggressive and began shouting, ran to the galley, threw hot water at staff and tried to attack them with a fire extinguisher which he then used to break a window on the train.  

EMR have confirmed that they are aware of the incident and are supporting a staff member who received minor injuries, while also working closely with the British Transport Police (BTP).   

Commenting, TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said: “The incident at EMR is deeply troubling. It clearly could have been much worse and comes soon after the mass stabbing on an LNER train in Cambridgeshire at the beginning of the month.    

“This week we also saw a man randomly attack two women on the London Underground. It is vital that our railways are safe for everyone, both travelling public and rail workers, at all times. 

“Our union is all too aware of the growing risks faced by those on the front line of our transport system. Acts of violence and abuse are becoming disturbingly frequent, as highlighted in our recent report on Violence Against Transport Workers. 

“The government needs to grip this and act swiftly to review security on the network. It should also halt proposed cuts budgets at British Transport Police and make sure there is no reduction in the presence of police on the railways.” 

*The incident took place on the 0404 Derby to London service and local police attended at Leicester.  

*TSSA is the only recognised trade union within the British Transport Police. We represent all Police Staff in all grades, including Police Community Support Officers.     

*TSSA is campaigning to protect BTP from budget cuts -  https://www.tssa.org.uk/news-and-events/tssa-news/tssa-opens-campaign-to-protect-british-transport-police