From the Shropshire Star
A video has emerged today of the moment a train announcer told passengers to beware of ‘Gypsies and pickpockets’ as the engine prepared to pull into Telford.
The footage has been shared by Wolves fan Chris Downes, whose 14-year-old son Jack was on the train. The announcement was greeted with cheers by the Shrewsbury Town fans but angered some who were preparing to disembark at their home town station. As the train prepared to stop at Telford Central Station, the announcer said: “Telford Central – please be aware of pickpockets and Gypsies.”
The comment was made on the 5.25pm train from Wolverhampton to Shrewsbury, following the League one clash between the two teams. London Midland, which operates the train service, is investigating and said it will make no further comment until the probe has been concluded. Members of the Gypsy Council have called for a criminal investigation into the announcement, branding it a racist comment. The video has prompted a range of comments since it emerged. Roz Thomas posted on Facebook: “I’m from Shrewsbury not Telford, but even I find that offensive.”
However, others have said that the comment was light-hearted.
One person, with the username Yehyehyeh, said: “I was on this train, I live in Telford and no, I didn’t take offence. It was a joke, and it made me smile.”
see also: The Independent - Train company investigates announcement warning passengers to 'be aware of pickpockets and Gypsies' before disembarking
The Mirror - Listen to extraordinary moment train announcer warned passengers to 'beware of Gypsies and thieves' at station
The Belfest Telegraph - 'Beware Gypsies' message on train
The daily Mail - 'The next stop is Telford, please be aware of pickpockets and GYPSIES': Moment London Midland train announcer stuns passengers with warning about Travellers
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