The phone video footage was sent to us by Shropshire Star reader and Wolves fan Chris Downes from Bayston Hill, whose son Jack, 14, took it on the train.

London Midland are investigating the comment, which was made on a train packed full of Wolves and Shrewsbury Town football fans.

As the train prepared to stop at Telford Central Station, the announcer warned passengers: Telford Central  please be aware of gipsies and pickpockets.

The announcement was met by loud cheers from Shrewsbury fans on board the train but it offended people preparing to disembark the train at their home town station.

The Gipsy Council has called for the matter to be taken up with the police.

Bill Kerswell, a spokesman for the council, said: This is unlawful, it is a racist comment. It is the same as using any offensive word relating to homosexuals or people of colour."