ONE in five adults fear for their personal safety while travelling by train, a survey has revealed.

Fear of personal assault, at 38 per cent, was named as the main reason for people being fearful to take a main line train or the tube, closely followed by the increased threat of terrorism, at 36 per cent.

In addition, 11 per cent of people are worried about drunk or lewd passengers, the research by security firm Group 4 Securicor found.

Train operator First Great Western recently started issuing rail staff with DNA kits in a bid to prevent attacks on them.

Using swabs, they can gather evidence following an anti-social incident, such as spitting.

After being sealed in a tamper proof bag, the evidence can then be passed to the British Transport Police.

The survey also found that nearly three quarters of adults said they would feel safer with the presence of a uniformed security guard when travelling on trains.

Mike Goldsmith, head of rail for Group 4 Securicor's manned security business, said: "These figures are a major concern for UK rail operators.

"Our research indicates that security concerns resulting from events such as the terrorist bombing in Madrid have had a profound impact on public perceptions of rail safety in the UK.

"Rail companies need to take proactive steps to ensure passengers feel safe and secure when travelling."