Rail bosses have warned staff to stop "silent treatment" and bullying as strike feuds turn bitter.

South Western Railway (SWR) guards who chose to work during strike action by the RMT union have claimed they are still being bullied by some ​striking staff, weeks after the strikes.

Tensions are said to be so high in the mess hall at the Bournemouth depot that some ​staff from other bases have allegedly refused to eat and socialise there.

One guard has reportedly been signed off sick due to stress caused by disagreements over strike action. Two staff members have been suspended or are under investigation following the bullying allegations.

A letter from driver depot managers, seen by Rail magazine, told staff: "The local management team continue to hear reports of unrest in the messroom, with 'silent treatment' continuing to be seen as acceptable behaviour by some. This is not the case, and is a behaviour that is designed to intimidate.

"Social media is not a good place to express your personal views on the actions of other individuals."