Investigation after woman 'abused' by Exeter City football fans on train

British Transport Police is appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident

Police are investigating a reported hate crime by Exeter City football fans, against a woman on a train.

The woman, 69, was travelling from Bristol to Exeter on Saturday when she said she was abused by a group she believed to be Exeter fans.

She said: "I was frightened and nervous for my safety."

British Transport Police (BTP) said it had launched an investigation into reports of a "hate crime and anti-social behaviour".

Exeter City had played Bristol Rovers earlier on Saturday in League Two, with the match being drawn 1-1.

The woman added: "They thought I was fair game, they were jeering, they were uncivilised thugs."

Exeter City Football Club said in a statement: "We were disappointed to hear of the alleged poor and unacceptable behaviour by a small group of supporters on a train on their way home from Bristol on Saturday.

"Whilst we cannot take responsibility for the behaviour of supporters outside of the football grounds, we would like to remind all supporters to think about how they are behaving and how that effects people around them."

The police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information, especially those on the 19:45 GMT Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St David's service, to come forward.

A statement said preventing and tackling hate crime is a "BTP priority" and that it takes these incidents "extremely seriously".

"We're proud that our officers and staff come from all walks of life and we believe everyone has the right to travel safely.

"We won't tolerate behaviour where someone is targeted because of who they are or made to feel uncomfortable on their journey."