BTP said alcohol was a factor in a number of assaults on staff

The force said staff in the region had been hit, sexually assaulted, spat at and verbally abused.

Some employees have needed hospital treatment and time off work and tough action has been promised against people who assault or intimidate employees.

Ch Insp Kevin Marshall said violent intimidation would not be tolerated.

In some parts of the South West there is at least one incident a week.

BTP said it was working with First Great Western and Network Rail to reduce the number of attacks, many of which involve alcohol.

It said offenders would be arrested, dealt with by the courts and could be banned from travelling by train.