Officers from British Transport Police (BTP) have launched an appeal after racist and abusive language was heard on board a train between Havant and Waterloo on Friday, October 11.

They are keen to speak to anyone who may have information about the incident, which took place between 3.30pm and 4.15pm.

PC Jon Kenny, leading the investigation, said: “A passenger on board the 2.40pm Havant to London Waterloo service noticed a group of men being very noisy during the journey.

“The group started to make loud racial comments some of which were overheard and directed at passengers in the carriage between Guildford and London Waterloo.”

It is believed the men making the comments were travelling to London in order watch the international football match between England and Montenegro which took place later that day at Wembley Stadium.

PC Kenny added: “I’m sure that there were people on board the train that will have noticed the men’s behaviour and may have heard what was said.

“I would encourage anyone who has any information they believe could help our investigation to contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 quoting B7/LSA of 31/10/2013. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.