Police officers were called to Bolton Railway Station on Sunday after a ticket inspector was 'sprayed with a fire extinguisher' by a football fan en route to Blackburn. 

Just before 10.10am, police received reports of anti-social behaviour and fire extinguishers being let off on the platforms, including towards members of staff.

Football fans were travelling to watch Blackburn Rovers versus Sheffield Wednesday at Ewood Park, which Sheffield Wednesday won 3-1.

A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to Bolton railway station at 10.08am yesterday (21 April) following reports of anti-social behaviour and fire extinguishers being let off on the platforms, including toward members of staff.

"Officers attended and the individuals were escorted away.”

Phil Jones, crime reduction manager with Northern Rail, said: “This type of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“Northern works tirelessly with partners throughout the football season to ensure the vast majority of travelling fans can reach matches in timely fashion.

“Unfortunately, there are a small number of those that always let down the majority.

“This type of behaviour causes disruption for everyone and we will work closely with British Transport Police to identify those responsible.”

A football fan said: "We got the train from Manchester Victoria to Blackburn and a young man threw a bottle out of the train window onto the platform at Bolton.

"A female worker then got on the train when the group of lads sprayed her with the fire extinguisher. They then they cancelled the train and told everyone to make their own way there.

"Luckily it was a very early train so did not cause much trouble for people who were going to the game."