OFFICERS were forced to use pepper spray on an allegedly drunk and disorderly passenger after he reportedly ‘resisted’ arrest.

British Transport Police (BTP) were called out to a train which had travelled from Barrow on Saturday night after reports of ‘drunken and rowdy’ passengers on board the train.

Officers arrived at Lancaster where they removed a 35-year-old man from the train and arrested him as he attempted to get back on, said a spokesman.

Pepper spray was then used on the man due to him ‘resisting’ arrest, he added.

A spokesman from British Transport Police said the use of pepper spray was typical when someone was resisting arrest.

The incident comes just weeks after BTP announced they were upping officers’ presence following an increase in antisocial behaviour at Barrow, Roose and Dalton stations.

The crackdown was brought into place after two abusive passengers reportedly punched a staff member in the face and chest on the train between Barrow and Askam last month,

Robert Parker, of Furness Line Action Group (FLAG), said drunken passengers are a ‘real problem’ on late night trains in Barrow.

He said: “One of the problems, certainly on late night trains, is drunken passengers.

“I believe we need more British Transport Police officers in the area especially on particularly problematic trains like the Friday or Saturday night ones.

“Police presence anywhere is a deterrent.”

A BTP spokesman said: “A 35-year-old man will appear at court charged in connection to an incident on board a train at Lancaster. John Gillam, of St Quintin Avenue, Barrow, is charged with being drunk and disorderly.

“He will appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on October 20.’