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Train passengers have been branded disrespectful and heartless after a picture emerged showing them failing to give up their seat for an elderly woman.

The image, believed to have been taken in Sydney, Australia, has been shared tens of thousands of times and sparked anger around the world.

It shows a woman who appears to be hunched as she clings onto a rail.

She is seen looking in the direction of three men sitting comfortably, taking up seats.

It was posted on Reddit with the caption 'No respect', although it is not clear whether any of the men shown had offered her a seat.

One fuming commenter wrote: "They need slapping, the lot of em, obviously they have no respect or manners."

(Image: Aussie Aussie Aussie Aussie/ Fac)

Another criticised them for wearing earphones and not looking up, saying: "None of them would've heard if she'd even asked politely for the seat – all three seated with their earphones in or headphones on! Where's the human connection?"

It isn't known when the picture was taken, but it was heavily shared at the weekend.

While many were quick to condemn the men pictured, others leaped to their defence.

One person wrote: "Not defending them but... someone may have offered, but the elderly said 'No It's ok I'm getting off soon or at next stop.'