SEXUAL offences on London’s public transport soared in the last year, it was announced yesterday, and a transport union chief laid the blame squarely on cuts to station staffing.

Transport for London (TfL) figures showed that sexual crimes reported on the network went up by 35 per cent between 2013/14 and 2014/15.

Buses in particular were found to be risky, with almost 700 sexual offences reported compared to just over 500 the year before.

While total crime on the network came to a new low, RMT general secretary Mick Cash warned of dangers ahead due to cuts to services.

He said: “We warned right from the off that cash-led cuts to station staffing would turn London Underground into a criminals’ paradise.

“Those who ignored those warnings, and in particular (London Mayor) Boris Johnson, should be hanging their heads in shame today, apologising to Londoners and reversing their lethal cuts programme.”

Other violent offences also saw an increase, with cases of assault on the Underground rising from 2,077 in 2013/14 to 2,255 in the past year.

On buses similar crimes went up by almost 1,000.

London Mayor Mr Johnson expressed his admiration for the police’s efforts in tackling crime on the capital’s transport systems.

He then said: “I am also very pleased that Londoners have been given greater confidence to report sexual offences.”

More than 100 extra police officers will be brought on to the Underground when the 24-hour Tube service starts in September.

The weekend round-the-clock “Night Tube” will serve 144 stations, with police teams expected to be present at key stops such as Camden, Brixton and King’s Cross.