BUSY Christmas trains across the North West came to a halt on Thursday evening after staff at Manchester Victoria walked out in defence of a colleague receiving “unacceptable” abuse.

Northern has confirmed that train services stopped for half an hour at 5pm after all workers walked off the station concourse.

The Morning Star understands that this was because a commuter made a credible threat of a serious assault against a rail worker.

Several trains were cancelled as a result of the walkout.

RMT North West regional organiser John Tilley said: “Staff at Manchester Victoria have removed themselves from a position of danger, as per the worksafe procedure.

“This is due to an unacceptable level of threats and abuse, due to the chaos at the station all week. Not a boss to be seen.”

The union has been critical of a lack of support for frontline staff, who they claim are being put at physical risk by frustrated members of the public.

A report produced by the union earlier this year claimed that one in five tube station workers have been violently assaulted, while staff on Greater Anglia services have taken to wearing body cams.

A worker who preferred to be anonymous said: “People are just sick of being assaulted and the company not giving a s***.

“The poor staff are only trying to make sure no one dies and they get a load of abuse for it.

“It’s always the worst time of year for it — it’s busy, everyone’s drunk. It’s horrendous.”

The British Transport Police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident.