Rail workers are threatening strike action to protest what they claim is lack of action from bosses to protect them from an increasing number of attacks by passengers.

Union representatives for train drivers and conductors met with Connex bosses at Brighton station to demand safety measures to protect them from attacks.

But workers say they have not seen any improvements and just six days after the meeting, another conductor was attacked at Angmering station at 11.30pm on Monday night.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the attack.

Last week's safety meeting was called following another attack earlier this month when a 52-year-old conductor was stabbed at Lancing station following an argument about tickets.

Connex promised to double security on trains after the stabbing, but the rail workers union, the RMT says its members want firm action now or strike action will be the only alternative.

Workers want more staff on late night trains and extra policing and are still in talks with their union about improving safety immediately.

Jimmy Stevenson, RMT organiser, said: "We are extremely concerned and there's been a call for strike action on this issue from one of our branches."

He said union representatives were currently pressing Connex to take safety action immediately.

One rail employee, who does not want to be identified for fear of losing his job, has worked as a conductor for six years. He said staff were being kicked, punched and verbally abused and late at night drunken yobs would board trains and let off fire extinguishers and wreck trains terrifying, passengers and staff.

He said: "We want to go home at night, not go to hospital. We're terrified to work on trains late at night."

Inspector Mick Morriss, of British Transport Police, said: "The arrests demonstrate our commitment to doing everything we can to protect trains."

A spokesman for Connex said: "We will continue, as a priority, to work with police to protect staff and customers."