MORE than a third of female train users have been sexually assaulted or harassed on their commute, figures show.

Most attacks occur in the evening rush between 5pm and 7pm when trains are busy.

Fifty-one per cent of victims said other passengers intervened to help them — but only 18 per cent of witnesses reported it to cops.

The research for British Transport Police showed behaviour such as leering, catcalling, touching, pressing, upskirting or indecent exposure is being experienced by women more than ever.

Det Chief Supt Paul Furnell called on people to be more vigilant when travelling.

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He said: “We all have a part to play in taking our heads out of our phones or newspapers and being aware of what’s going on around us — and if we see something that isn’t right, doing something about it.”

He added: “Driving out this unacceptable behaviour is our number one priority at British Transport Police. We will always believe you and take you seriously.”

Jacqueline Starr, of the Railway Delivery Group, said: “Any form of sexual harassment on the rail network is completely unacceptable and we are working with the BTP to confront this problem.”

Specialist teams of plain-clothed British Transport officers use data provided by the public to target patrols and identify offenders.

On trains, the rail industry and BTP are rolling out a new, ongoing anti-sexual harassment campaign to educate passengers on how to recognise situations of sexual harassment, and how to intervene safely.