The number of crimes on Scotland's railways increased last year for the first time in more than a decade, according to figures from British Transport Police.

A total of 1,675 crimes were recorded in 2014/2015, up 1.3%.

This included 50 incidents of sexual crime recorded on the railways, up from 36 in 2013/14.

The annual figures showed there was a rise in sex crime across Britain's rail network.

The data revealed that crime on trains and tubes across England, Scotland and Wales fell for the 11th consecutive year, with an overall drop of more than 8% on the previous year.

This was despite the slight increase in total crimes north of the border, the first in 11 years.

To combat the number of sex crimes on trains and tubes, BTP has launched Report It To Stop It, an awareness campaign which encourages people to report any incidents.

Deputy chief constable Adrian Hanstock said: "The increased reports we received of sexual offences being committed on the rail network made it clear this issue was a significant concern for people yet was considerably under-reported."

A spokeswoman for Rape Crisis Scotland said: "It is very alarming indeed to see such a significant rise in sexual assaults on public transport in Scotland.

"A guarantee of safety to those using the transport system is both the very least and the most important thing it can offer to them, and that must include every possible step to prevent sexual violence."

A breakdown of the figures showed there were 405 instances of "violence against the person" recorded in Scotland, up from 326 the previous year.

However, thefts of passenger property dropped from 340 in 2013/14 to 299 last year.

Chief superintendent John McBride, divisional commander for the Scotland division of BTP, said: "There were 93 million passenger journeys in Scotland last year, so it is clear that the chances of becoming a victim of crime are very small."