Rail work deaths "highest for 14 years"

Fatalities and assaults on the railways increased last year, according to new figures from the Rail Safety and Standards Board.

Eight track workers were killed last year - the highest figure since 1991. November's high-speed crash at Ufton Nervet in Berkshire accounted for seven deaths. Reported workforce assaults also rose by 6% in 2004.

Bob Crow, general secretary of the RMT rail union, said the deaths indicated "a serious problem".