RAIL travellers and a former police officer were forced to step in after a row on a c2c train descended into a brawl.

The train from London Liverpool Street was halted for 40 minutes at Benfleet station after a fight broke out on board.

The Echo understands a “rowdy” argument broke out between some women on the 10.17pm train on Wednesday which led to angry scenes.

Police were called and statements were taken from those allegedly involved.

Daniel Cowan, Southend councillor for St Laurence ward in Southend, was one of those who broke up the fight.

He said that four women got onto the train at Basildon before the row broke out.

Within minutes, a fight then erupted, with Mr Cowan, and a number of members of public having to jump in a intervene.

Mr Cowan said: “The woman all seemed to know each other but got on separately. They were having quite a rowdy argument which quickly turned into a fight.

“A number of passengers and I got involved to split them apart and inform the authorities.

“The train was then held up at Benfleet for around 40 minutes while we were waiting for police to come and then deal with the incident, taking those involved away.”

The British Transport Police has confirmed they did receive reports of a fight and enquiries are ongoing at this stage. No arrests have been made yet.

Mr Cowan added: “It was an eventful end to a long day. It is not a nice thing to see.

“A lot of people were frustrated by the delay to the journey as it was late at night and a lot of people had long days, so to have it delayed because of a fight was frustrating. But it was incredible to see so many civic minded people helping out.

“A former police officer was fantastic in taking charge of the situation, the driver acted appropriately, and police turned up as quickly as they could to deal with it.”

A spokesman for the British Transport Police said: “Officers received reports at 11.10pm yesterday, January 24, of a fight on board a service from Liverpool Street to Shoebury.

“Officers met the train at Benfleet railway station statements were taken. Enquiries into this incident are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 709 of 24/01/2024.”