Tube drivers protest at violence

Drivers on the London Underground (LU) are taking industrial action over increasing levels of violence.

The drivers' union, Aslef, announced staff will not work at the east end of the District Line from 23 May.

Aslef also revealed that attacks on District Line trains had risen by 50% in the last year.

Safety concerns were raised by the union after trains were pelted with bricks and stones. LU said industrial action would not resolve the issue.

An LU spokesman said: "The safety of passengers and staff is our top priority.

"London Underground has done, and continues to do, a huge amount to successfully tackle anti-social behaviour on the east end of the District line and across the Tube network as a whole."

Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union at rail firm One are also striking on 21 May and 7 June in a row over new ticketing machines.