On the train.
Its often impossible to choose your seat on the crowded trains these days but most important, be aware of your surroundings.
Minimise vulnerability / situational awareness.
Don’t isolate yourself (e.g., headphones on high volume + phone screen down) so you remain alert to noises or activity around you.
Know how to call for help
The incident at Huntingdon was only resolved successfully by the prompt and quick actions of both staff and members of the public alerting the emergency services.
During the journey — If you feel unsafe
Trust your instincts
If someone’s behaviour makes you uneasy (e.g., pacing, lingering near doors, brandishing something), consider moving carriages. Don’t fight the scenario in your head, if you think something is wrong, treat it seriously.
Make an exit plan
Know where the nearest doors/windows/emergency exits are. On many UK trains you can press the “emergency alarm” or open the door in extreme cases. Try to have a clear view of the aisle.
React if an incident begins
Use the core principle: Move away if you can safely, hide if you can’t, and tell the authorities as soon as possible. This echoes the “Run, Hide, Tell” advice used for weapons-based attacks in the UK.
Run: If you see someone brandishing a knife or behaving violently, move swiftly to a safer carriage or exit at the next station if feasible.
Hide: If you cannot move, try to get behind doors, luggage racks, or seats. Make yourself less visible, stay low and be quiet.
Tell: Press the emergency alarm button, notify train staff, call 999 (or the station/guard direct if possible).
But if you’re trapped, try to build a barricade using bags, luggage, anything to stop, slow down the attacker.
If others are with you, quietly coordinate to move together, there’s safety in numbers. Support others if safe to do so.
Alert other passengers calmly without escalating the situation. If as a group you can calmly relocate to another carriage or alert staff, do so.
Special considerations for rail settings
The nature of trains (closed carriage, high-speed, multiple platforms) means limited escape options compared with open spaces. That makes awareness and exit planning more critical.
UK rail stations often do not deploy airport-style metal-detectors because the infrastructure and volume make it impractical.
Visible patrols by British Transport Police and staff are part of the deterrence strategy.
The presence of CCTV and emergency call points mean that quick reporting often triggers assistance; so your “tell” action is vital.
Save this text number 61016 British Transport Police. There if you need them.
#RailSafety
#PassengerSafety
#PublicSafety
#StayAlert
#TravelSafe
#SafetyAwareness
#BritishTransportPolice