A CONDUCTOR and a passenger were allegedly assaulted by men on a train travelling between Barrow and Askam.

A female train guard was reportedly assaulted while attempting to remove two men from the train on Saturday at 6.30pm.

A passenger came to assist and was reportedly knocked to the ground and punched by one of the passengers. One of the men then allegedly punched the train guard in the face and chest before they both ran off.

British Transport Support Unit and Barrow Police subsequently arrested two men.

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, described the behaviour as ‘unbelievable’.

He said: “The violence directed towards our member of staff – and one of our customers – was truly unbelievable and has no place on the railway.

“We are providing support to the conductor and are assisting British Transport Police with its ongoing enquiries.”

Robert Parker, a spokesman for the Furness Line Action Group (FLAG), added: “I do not agree with verbal or physical abuse directed towards staff members.

“I think people are getting awfully frustrated by lockdown lately and are lashing out.

“Even if this is the case, this behaviour is still unacceptable and should not be tolerated.”

A 22-year-old Bootle man and a 24-year-old Aspatria man were arrested and charged with common assault.

Both have been bailed to appear at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court in Barrow on Saturday August 15.