British Transport Police are investigating a reported hate crime after a 69-year-old woman was allegedly abused by a group of Exeter City football fans on a train from Bristol to Exeter on Saturday.
The woman, who was travelling on the 19:45 GMT service from Bristol Temple Meads to Exeter St David's, said the group, whom she believed to be Exeter City supporters, subjected her to jeering and uncivilised behaviour. She described them as 'thugs' who thought she was 'fair game'.
The incident occurred after Exeter City's League Two match against Bristol Rovers, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Exeter City Football Club expressed disappointment at the alleged behaviour, reminding supporters to consider how their actions affect others, though noting they cannot take responsibility for conduct outside the ground.
British Transport Police stated that preventing and tackling hate crime is a priority and that they take such incidents extremely seriously. They are appealing for witnesses, particularly those on the train, to come forward.
A spokesperson said: 'We won't tolerate behaviour where someone is targeted because of who they are or made to feel uncomfortable on their journey.'
