The number of attacks on Tube workers has risen sharply over the last five years, new figures show. 

In 2013/14, 2,753 London Underground (LU) staff members were assaulted, compared to 1, 917 in 2009/10 - a rise of 44 per cent.  

It equates to around seven attacks each day on London's tube and rail network. 

The figures, outlined in the Transport for London Health, Safety and Environment Report for 2013/14 show there were 456 more assaults in the 2013/14, compared to the previous year and a further 836 compared to 2009/10 figures. 

In the first three months of this financial year, verbal assaults accounted for 49 per cent of assaults, with the remaining 35 per cent being threats of violence and 16 per cent physical violence. 

The figures were highlighted by London Assembly member Val Shawcross who is concerned the roll-out of ticket office closures will leave workers feeling "dangerously isolated".

LU said the rise is in assaults is due to increased reporting of cases and said overall crime was at its lowest level with a 14 per cent reduction in the last year alone. 

LU's chief operating officer Nick Brown told the BBC that when the Tube becomes 24-hour at weekends, starting in September, "all stations will remain staffed and controlled at all times when services are running and our hundreds of staff will be backed by a police presence."