Abuse towards rail staff will not be tolerated this Christmas.

Each year, as Christmas approaches British Transport Police sees an increase in abuse levelled at staff on the railway.

Much of this abuse has alcohol as a root cause as more and more people use the railway to get to and from Christmas parties.

Sadly, those who have a little too much to drink sometimes forget the effect they can have on others and situations which might ordinarily be dealt with quietly and swiftly can become something much more serious.

Inspector Chris Smith, who works closely with Northern Rail, said: “At Christmas BTP and rail staff, in general, understand that many people will use the railway after a night out and we certainly don’t want to discourage anyone from doing this.

“But those same people need to be aware that their behaviour can have a serious impact on those who work on the railway.

“Rail staff are simply trying to go about their business and provide a service for everyone who uses the trains.

“I ask that everyone respects this and, drunk or sober, thinks carefully about their behaviour.

“Everyone has the right to work in a safe and secure environment and British Transport Police officers will be out and about during the Christmas to support rail staff across the region.”

Inspector Ken McVey, seconded to Merseyrail, added: “Anyone who steps out of line this Christmas and becomes abusive to rail staff or other passengers will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“We simply will not tolerate any behaviour – either criminal or anti-social – which causes issues for those who work on the rail network.

“We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas and will be carrying out a number of special operations to work towards this aim.”