Self-defence classes for rail staff

Thousands of rail staff are to receive self-defence lessons following a rise in attacks by passengers.

At least five serious attacks take place on rail staff every day and, as a result, employees at First Great Western are being trained to deal with angry passengers by British Airways cabin staff.

While the rise in attacks follows a growing frustration among passengers over delays on the networks, a FGW spokesman blamed alcohol and rows over ticketless travel for the most aggressive incidents on its trains.

The company admitted that it had to take "drastic" action to stem to rise in incidents. It has invested an estimated £100,000 to ensure employees can cope with difficult passengers. It would not disclose the cost of defence training.

However, passenger groups warned that improving services would be the only solution to the rise in violent incidents.