JEREMY Corbyn's suggestion that women-only train carriages could be introduced at night to guard against sexual attacks has been condemned by rival Labour leadership contenders and anti-sexism campaigners.

The runaway favourite in the election to be Labour leader raised the issue amid a climate of growing concern about sexual harassment on public transport.

Karen Boswell, managing director of Hitachi Rail Europe told The Northern Echo: "I think it takes us backwards.

"I have strong views on diversity and I don’t like the idea of being segmented or segregated in society.

"I am involved in a lot of women’s groups, and If I took a straw poll of their views I am pretty sure none of them would be in favour of women-only carriages."

The number of sex offences on Britain's railways increased last year, according to figures from British Transport Police.

There were 1,399 sexual offences in 2014/15, up from 1,117 the previous year.

Transport for London has begun a campaign to encourage more reporting of sex crimes on the capital's Underground network, while BTP has a range of regional schemes designed to reduce harassment.

Launching his street harassment policy, Mr Corbyn said: "Some women have raised with me that a solution to the rise in assault and harassment on public transport could be to introduce women-only carriages.

"My intention would be to make public transport safer for everyone from the train platform, to the bus stop, on the mode of transport itself.

"However, I would consult with women and open it up to hear their views on whether women-only carriages would be welcome - and also if piloting this at times and on modes of transport where harassment is reported most frequently would be of interest."

Rail minister Claire Perry last year indicated she was interested in exploring the idea of women-only carriages, which are in operation in Japan, India, Brazil and other countries.

But following Mr Corbyn's comments she released a statement which read: "Our approach focuses on catching and punishing offenders rather than segregating people and the raft of unintended consequences that would involve."

Laura Bates, of the Everyday Sexism Project, said Mr Corbyn's plan to consult with women was "the way forward", but she was strongly against the proposal.

"In terms of the issue itself, I think it would be a real step backwards," she said.

"It sends the message that harassment is inevitable, perpetrators are unable to help themselves and women should simply find a way round it."