Rail Union Raises Alarm After violent attack sees hot water thrown at staff

Rail union TSSA has voiced serious concern following a violent incident aboard an East Midlands Railway (EMR) service travelling from Derby to London St Pancras early this morning.

According to initial accounts, a passenger without a ticket became aggressive and began shouting before forcing his way to the train’s galley area. He reportedly threw hot water at staff and attempted to assault them with a fire extinguisher, which he then used to smash a window on the train.

EMR confirmed it is supporting a staff member who sustained minor injuries and is working with the British Transport Police (BTP), who attended the train at Leicester.

TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust described the incident as “deeply troubling,” noting that it follows a number of serious attacks on the rail network in recent weeks.

“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,” she said. “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 the travelling public and rail workers—at all times.”

Eslamdoust warned that front-line staff are increasingly exposed to abuse and violence, citing findings from the union’s recent report on attacks against transport workers.

“Acts of violence and abuse are becoming disturbingly frequent,” she added. “The government needs to grip this and act swiftly to review security on the network. It should also halt proposed budget cuts at British Transport Police and ensure there is no reduction in the police presence on our railways.”

The incident occurred on the 04:04 Derby to London service, with local police meeting the train when it arrived at Leicester.