ROWDY and violent football fans are being investigated by police for their behaviour on a train from Crewe.

Passengers who witnessed the anti-social behaviour of the group of fans travelling between Crewe and Stockport on Saturday, March 21, are being urged to come forward.

British Transport Police is investigating the incidents, which occurred on the Virgin Trains service from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly.

The disorder started at around 6.40pm when around 50 Oldham Athletic fans who had already been drinking, boarded the train at Crewe carrying large amounts of alcohol.

Investigating officer Sgt David Cawley said: “The fans were seated in coaches A and B.

"Their subsequent rowdy and unruly behaviour became so serious that the train manager took the decision to hold the train at Stockport.

"The fans were reported to have been fighting amongst themselves and another report suggests that a family were racially abused by the group.

“Behaviour like this will simply not be tolerated.

"Everyone has the right to travel in safety without threat or disorder."

Any passengers who witnessed this behaviour are urged to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference PSUB/B10 of 08/04/2015.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.