Transport police have criticised the "stupid, dangerous and irresponsible" behaviour of two young boys arrested for attacking a girl at Shipley station.

An investigation was launched after the girl was punched then pushed off the stationary train following a fight between gangs of schoolchildren.

British Transport Police arrested two boys, aged 12 and 13, on suspicion of common assault following the fracas on the Bradford Forster Square to Ilkley Northern Rail service during rush hour shortly after 8am last Wednesday.

The train was full of schoolchildren when an altercation happened between the two youths and a 15-year-old girl.

The girl was punched in the chest and pushed off the train. The youths also shouted abuse at a female guard.

A BTP spokesman said: "The train was full of schoolchildren when an altercation took place between the two youths and a 15-year-old schoolgirl from Keighley as she tried to board the 7.47am Bradford Forster Square to Ilkley service.

"The girl was punched in the chest and pushed off the train, stumbling onto a platform at the station. She was not seriously hurt.

"The youths also verbally abused a guard who intervened."

PC Richard Ward, from BTP Bradford, said the force would take tough action against any troublemakers on trains in West Yorkshire.

He said: "This was stupid, dangerous and irresponsible behaviour and we will not tolerate it. Those schoolchildren who are tempted to misbehave on trains in West Yorkshire should be warned that we are taking positive action to deal with this sort anti-social behaviour."

A spokesman for train operator Northern Rail said hundreds of rail commuters faced chaos as trains running in both directions were delayed after the incident.

The spokesman said the guard had not been injured during the fracas but was shocked by the behaviour of the youths.

The two boys have been released on police bail until Saturday, December 15, while further inquiries are made.

Anyone with information about rail crime or disorder should contact British Transport Police on 0800 405040 or dial 999 in an emergency.

e-mail: marc.meneaud@bradford.newsquest.co.uk