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

The bookies’ favourite to lift the Labour crown next month raised the issue amid a climate of growing concern about sexual harassment on public transport.

But the Everyday Sexism Project described women-only carriages as "a real step backwards" while leadership candidates Yvette Cooper and Liz Kendall both insisted it was not the appropriate solution.

According to figures from British Transport Police, the number of sex offences on Britain's railways increased last year; 1399 were recorded in 2014/15, up from 1117 the previous year.

Transport for London has begun a campaign to encourage more reporting of sex crimes on the UK capital's Underground network.

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."

Last year, Claire Perry, the UK Transport Minister, indicated she was interested in exploring the idea of women-only carriages, which are already in operation in Japan, India, Brazil and other countries.

She said she was determined to do ''whatever we have to'' to reverse the increase in sex crimes and boost safety.

''They have introduced women-only seating in Japan because there is a particular problem with groping and low-level violence,'' she said.

''It is a very interesting question and I will look at all ideas.''

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

Ms Bates argued it could exacerbate a culture of blaming the victims of sexual attacks and added: “Imagine if a woman is assaulted in a mixed carriage if a women-only carriage is available."

Senior Tory MP Sarah Wollaston also voiced her opposition to women-only carriages.

The Chairwoman of the Commons Health Committee tweeted: "Segregating women on public transport doesn't protect anyone, it just normalises unacceptable attitudes."

Ms Cooper echoed the view, saying: "Segregation to 'keep women safe' is turning the clock back, not tackling the problem. We shouldn't have to shut ourselves away from men for our own safety.

"The staff needed to enforce the segregated carriages should be keeping all the carriages safe instead."

Meantime, Ms Kendall said: "Everyone should be able to travel without fear of physical or verbal attacks, and we have much to do as a society to reach that point.

"However, I don't believe that gender segregation is the answer. That would be an admission of defeat, rather than a sustainable solution."

Elsewhere, Andy Burnham, campaigning in Scotland, also waded into the debate, also dismissing the suggestion of women-only carriages.

"In this day and age, we shouldn't be even considering the idea of segregated train travel. As a dad of two young girls, I want to see a proper society-wide strategy on tackling violence against women.

"We need sufficiently funded police forces, especially the British Transport Police, and investment in practical measures like better lighting to ensure safety at all times."

David Sidebottom, passenger director at the independent watchdog Transport Focus, said: "Generally, it is very safe to travel by train; almost eight in 10 passengers are satisfied with their personal security.

"Passengers tell us that they feel the best deterrent against crime is a visible staff and police presence on trains and at stations.

"Passengers will welcome the continued efforts of British Transport Police and the rail industry to reduce assaults on public transport and to encourage more of us to report incidents."