Extra patrols in Cleland following spate of incidents

It comes after a train conductor was spat on by a group of around six boys who he had requested to leave the train at Cleland station due to their disorderly and abusive behaviour.

A large group of youths is reported to have trespassed on the railway line in the vicinity of the station recently, and two youths were also seen to throw bricks at a passing train.

Inspector Gary Brown, the BTP officer with responsibility for policing the rail network in that area, said: “This sort of unsavoury behaviour aimed at rail staff, going about their daily duties won’t be tolerated by BTP.

“Anyone who was on the train, which was the 13.57 Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central service, or was at the station and has information which can help identify the youths responsible is asked to contact BTP.

“With the onset of the lighter nights and Easter school holidays we do see an increase in route crime, such as trespassing, stone-throwing and lineside vandalism, and we will be carrying out substantially more patrols in the area to prevent a repetition.

“Parents need to ask themselves if they know where their children are and are they happy that they have done enough to warn them of the dangers which can be posed by the railway which can be an extremely dangerous environment.”

A spokeswoman for ScotRail said: “We do not tolerate crime of any kind on the railway, and always work with BTP to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

Call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016.