Probe after passenger throws fare-dodger off train Published duration 12 December 2011

media caption The conductor asked the youth to leave the train several times

An investigation has been launched after a fare-dodger was hauled off a train by a passenger who stepped in to help the conductor.

The incident on the Edinburgh to Perth train was filmed and has received more than 300,000 hits on YouTube.

The footage, taken by a passenger on Friday, shows a youth refusing to pay for his ticket or get off the train.

A big man then gets up, grabs the youth and appears to throw him onto the platform at Linlithgow, West Lothian.

The man then twice stops the teenager getting back on the train before returning to his seat to a round of applause from passengers.

Refusing to pay

A ScotRail spokeswoman, said: "While we welcome the public's support of our zero-tolerance stance on anti-social behaviour, our staff are trained in conflict management and we do not expect members of the public to take matters into their own hands.

"We are investigating the incident, which appears to show a person travelling without a valid ticket, refusing to pay for the journey, and swearing at a staff member in full view of customers."

A British Transport Police spokesman, said: "We are aware of the YouTube video and our inquiries are ongoing.