Caught on video: Train worker's 'gipsies and pickpockets' warning to Wolves fans

A video has emerged today of the moment a train announcer told passengers to beware of 'gipsies 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 gipsies."

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."