RAIL union RMT has threatened to launch a national strike ballot across all train companies if measures are not taken to address increasing assaults on its members.

British Transport Police (BTP) data shows that violent offences across the network have risen by 14 per cent since last year, while the number of officers has dropped by almost a third since 2009.

Earlier this month, 11 people were injured in a mass stabbing on a LNER service from Doncaster to King’s Cross, including a rail worker who was left in a critical condition after he tried to stop the attack.

As reports of violence continue to rise, RMT has now gone into dispute with East Midlands Railway (EMR) following two recent incidents.

The union says that staff have had hot water thrown at them and been attacked with a fire extinguisher, while last weekend, rival football fans engaged in a mass brawl on a train that stopped at Derby.

Staff say they have exhausted all internal company processes, but no effective action has been taken to address the daily risks they face.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “No railway worker should be going to work fearing they may be assaulted or be expected to deal with violence.

“What our members want is a regular BTP presence at stations and on trains, faulty equipment fixed or replaced and proper engagement by the employer on these matters so our people do not feel isolated.

“RMT will not rest until these issues are dealt with and we are fully prepared to launch a national strike ballot of our members if there is no improvement in the situation.”

An East Midlands Railway spokesperson said: “We were appalled by these recent incidents and have been supporting the staff members affected.

“At EMR, we take violence and assaults against our colleagues extremely seriously. This is why we will continue to work closely with the RMT to ensure the safety, welfare and well-being of all colleagues across our network.”