Four arrested for assaulting NS train crew in Deurne

Four people were arrested Sunday morning in Deurne for assaulting a train conductor and a machinist, according to a police spokesperson. The two Dutch Railways (NS) employees were attacked after confronting the suspects over a lack of valid tickets on a train from Eindhoven to Venlo.

The incident occurred when the train crew asked the group—two men and two women—to present their travel documents. In response, the suspects assaulted the machinist and conductor, damaging their glasses. Although the NS employees were not physically injured, the attack prompted immediate intervention.

Upon arrival in Deurne, the four suspects exited the train and were taken into custody on Stationsstraat by responding officers.

The assault follows concerning figures released by NS earlier this week, showing a rise in violence against staff. According to the railway company's annual report, employees were subjected to 1,095 criminal incidents in 2023. The most common trigger for aggression was addressing passengers about their behavior, including ticket violations.

While NS noted a decrease in incidents of aggression on trains, reports of violence at stations increased. “We also see that the aggression has intensified, especially towards our Safety & Service staff,” NS said in a statement.