STAFF from a ScotRail unit set up to deter anti-social behaviour were attacked on a train travelling through Renfrewshire, leaving one of them in hospital.

Three members of the ‘travel safe team’ were injured during the assault on the service between Paisley Gilmour Street and Hillington East.

Stephen Elliot, ScotRail's security and crime manager, said: “The safety of our customers and employees is our number one priority.

“Anti-social behaviour, whether that’s physical violence, verbal abuse or any other form, is completely unacceptable.

“Everyone has the right to go about their day in peace, so we’ll continue to work with the authorities to ensure anyone responsible for anti-social behaviour is brought to justice.”

The incident took place just after 10pm on April 15, with British Transport Police (BTP) confirming that inquiries are ongoing.

The ScotRail employee who was treated in hospital was released the following day.

A BTP spokesperson said: “Three members of rail staff and a man suffered minor injuries as a result of the assault.

“No arrests have been made at this time.

“We have increased our high-visibility patrols following anti-social behaviour on trains.”

Trade union officials have demanded more police on trains and warned that staff would boycott routes plagued by anti-social behaviour unless action is taken.

Mick Hogg, RMT Scotland organiser, said the travel safe team is "not the answer" to tackling such problems.

He added: "We welcome more jobs but travel teams are not there to deal with anti-social behaviour.

“We need more BTP visual at stations and on trains.”