YOBS on a train caused mayhem at Gourock station which resulted in British Transport Police officers having to be deployed and delays for passengers.

What has been described as a 'large group' of young louts engaged in anti-social behaviour within a carriage of a ScotRail service on Wednesday afternoon.

The 4.38pm service from Gourock to Glasgow had to be delayed due to the incident.

Announcements had to be made at all stations in between, telling passengers that the train they were waiting on had been held up due to a 'disturbance'.

The BTP confirmed that disorderly behaviour — which sparked an increased presence in Gourock by its officers — was the reason for the delay.

A spokesman said: "British Transport Police were notified at 4.39pm of anti-social behaviour by a large group of youths on a train at Gourock railway station.

"The group disembarked the service and additional patrols were deployed in the area in the evening to monitor the area."

Increased numbers of young people have been piling onto trains in recent days during the school holiday.

Passengers have had to endure rowdy behaviour and foul language during a number of journeys.

The incident is the latest in a litany of disturbances on rail services within Inverclyde.

In one of the most serious incidents vandals smashed up a train by hurling rocks inside a carriage.

There have been a string of onboard assaults in recent years as well.

A ScotRail spokesman said: "As an organisation, ScotRail deplores anti-social behaviour of any kind and it has no place on Scotland's railway.

"We continue to work with British Transport Police to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour and would ask our customers to contact BTP if they see anything suspicious."