BLACKBURN Rovers fans have been blamed by police for vandalising a post-match train by smashing a window and setting off a firework.

Their behaviour has been slammed by transport police, who say that Rovers fans have been becoming increasingly rowdy when travelling to and from games.

In the most recent incident, a group of supporters boarded the 6.30pm train from Preston to Colne following Saturday's 0-0 draw at Bolton.

The vandalism, which was committed by a group of teenagers, included:

• a firework being set off inside the train
• the smashing of window
• metal strips from the train being used to dent the roof of the train.

One fan, who is from Rishton but asked not to be named, said: "I'm disgusted that those vandals are part of Rovers' fans - they shouldn't be allowed to travel to any football ground if that is the way they behave."

Police said the conductor rang ahead for support and the train was terminated at Blackburn at 7.05pm.

However, the conductor could not clearly identify the offenders to officers and police were reduced to escorting fans from the station without making any arrests.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "This was a very serious incident, which followed earlier anti-social behaviour by Rovers fans on the way to the match.

"The impact this has on other passengers cannot be overestimated.

"This sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we are taking all possible steps to prevent it."

No CCTV footage was available from the train but police are hoping other travellers may know who caused the trouble.

The spokesman said: "Most fans are law abiding and we would appeal for any of those, or anyone who can help identify these hooligans to contact us as soon as possible."

A Blackburn Rovers spokesman said: “We investigated the matter with the police officers on duty on the night.

"They told us that a train had arrived in Blackburn with one smashed window but that there had been no arrests.”

Information can be given to British Transport police on the freefone number 0800 405040 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.