'More police needed' after assaults on rail staff rise

ASSAULTS on train staff increased last year, with experts warning more police are needed on the rail network.

- BY JAYMI MCCANN

But a quarter of the offenders could not be prosecuted because the victims refused to give evidence in court.

British Transport Police figures showed the crime rate on the network rose by 5.4%, with antisocial behaviour requiring urgent response up 9% and violent offences leaping 14%.

This month, rail worker Samir Zitouni, 48, was left fighting for his life in hospital after protecting passengers during a knife attack on a service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.

Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 11 counts of attempted murder.