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A train operator has apologised after a station announcer shocked passengers by saying that only thin people should sit down because of a lack of space.

The South West Trains commuter service from Basingstoke, Hampshire, was full when a member of staff allegedly said: “We are going to be like sardines on this train, so can I ask that only slim people sit on the three seaters. If you are fat then it is simply not going to work."

Speaking to the Daily Mail after the incident, one angry passenger on the service said: "I am not necessarily a big person but most people are larger than those seats anyway.

"It’s pretty disgusting. I would get fired if I said that at my work."

A spokesperson for South West Trains has since apologised, saying that the comments had been meant in a "light-hearted way" and were "in no way intended as a slight on any customers".

"Like ourselves, she is very sorry if any passengers were offended by her remarks," he added.

"We have reminded the guard about the correct approach to take in future.

"All passengers are welcome on board our trains. We run some of the busiest trains in the country and we do appreciate that space on some of our trains is limited.

"To provide extra space and seats for our customers, we are in the process of investing £250m in extra carriages and new trains."