PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson helped tackle fare-dodging yobs who spat at a train conductor.

The MP was on his way back to Pendle from Westminster when the incident happened as the train was pulling into the station at Bingley on Thursday night.

He said: “Two young lads got on at the stop before Bingley and sat next to me on the opposite side of the aisle.

“When the train guard asked them to pay the fare they started pretending to look for their tickets, but it was obvious they didn’t have any.

“When the train arrived at Bingley they tried to run for the door but the guard closed it and an argument ensued. The train had to stay there for 10 minutes.

“This kid was clearly very upset at being asked to pay the fare of about £1.20.

“Myself and a couple of others went over to remind him how upset the 30 to 40 hard-working passengers were.

“I stood in the doorway next to the guard to make sure he couldn’t get off until the police arrived. When he was eventually allowed off the train, he spat in the guard’s face.

“Sometimes I am just left despairing at how society is. A train guard being spat in face by an ignorant yob beggars belief.”

Mr Stephenson has told police that he would be willing to meet officers to provide a full statement.