Dozens of British Transport Police (BTP) stations across the UK could face closure, with fewer police officers protecting the railways amid record levels of attacks on passengers.

BTP officials have imposed a hiring freeze and warned that some bases will have to close, suggesting job losses could result after a failure to secure enough funding to meet current commitments.

There were a record 9,542 assaults on mainline railways in 2023-24 against passengers and members of the public, a 17% increase on the previous year, according to the latest statistics from the Office of Rail and Highway, the regulator.

The number of assaults is now around 50% higher than before the pandemic, although transit police attribute the alarming increase to increased train use in the wake of COVID-19 and easier reporting of crimes via smartphone apps.

More than three-quarters of reported assaults were cases of harassment or common assaults, including threats of physical violence.

Despite the worsening situation, the BTP said funding shortfalls meant "there will inevitably be fewer police and staff available to respond to crime and incidents in the future".

The force's budget next year, which is largely funded by state railways, will increase by 4.6 per cent - less than half the increase advocated by the BTP and millions less than it says it needs to maintain the full budget. The base is open.

Lucy D'Orsi, chief constable of BTP police, said: "British Transport Police's agreed funding solution for 2025-26 leaves the force with an £8.5m shortfall compared to current commitments. It is inevitable that , which means we will become a smaller organization with reduced operations in England, Scotland and Wales.

"We are rapidly developing plans based on this financial settlement and we will be able to share additional details in due course."

BTP said the job cuts “may mean we will no longer be able to maintain operations at some stations in England, Scotland and Wales.

"We remain committed to ensuring the safety of everyone who uses the railway and works on it. However, it is now necessary that we consider how best to meet future demand, which includes considering the feasibility of a number of police posts."

The TSSA rail union, whose members include BTP staff, said nearly 300 jobs could be lost in the 3,000-strong force and up to 17 stations have been earmarked for closure, including several in northern England - Pres There may not be anything in between. and Scotland.

TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust urged Transport Minister Heidi Alexander to intervene, calling on the government to "prioritize the safety of passengers and transport workers and fully fund the BTP to ensure the rail network remains a safe and efficient mode of transport for everyone".

She said reducing police numbers puts women and girls at particular risk.

In addition to concerns about the safety of passengers and staff, rail operators are also concerned that the reduction will lead to increased disruption to train services. An important role of the BTP is to respond to reports from drivers and station staff of any unauthorized trespassing on the railway, which often delays or stops all trains, including where people may be attempting to commit suicide.

A senior industry source said: "We understand and appreciate budget constraints, but we are concerned that shortfalls in funding for rail police could impact response times, leading to more and longer delays for passengers as they wait for help. Dealing with issues such as trespassing, Issues such as vulnerable populations and cable theft.”

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are working with the BTP to better understand how funding issues will impact frontline policing and the knock-on effects on our railways, with the aim of minimizing the impact on passengers and other rail users. "

A government spokesman said its focus was ensuring BTP funding supports the continued safety of passengers.

Responding to the rising number of attacks, a spokesman said: "These figures are unacceptable. Passenger safety is our top priority and we are working closely with BTP and train operators to ensure rail safety for everyone.

"No one should experience abuse or harassment on our transport network and passengers can easily report issues via free text 61016 or using the Railway Guardian app."

A BTP spokesman added: “We recognize that every criminal act is egregious and we work tirelessly with our policing partners and the rail industry to prevent this type of behaviour.

"Our patrols are targeted and backed by statistics to ensure our officers are exactly where they are needed most. We encourage all passengers who see or experience crime to report it to us so we can take action."