ScotRail has deployed extra staff to tackle anti-social behaviour on trains between Balloch and Dalmuir.

The move comes following a recent incident which saw three British Transport Police officers allegedly injured following a clash with youths at a Dumbarton station.

According to ScotRail, three travel safe wardens and one supervisor accompanied train staff on patrols and provided advice to staff and customers along the route.

A ScotRail Alliance spokesperson said: “Anti-social behaviour at our stations and on-board our trains is completely unacceptable, and we will continue to work with the British Transport Police and other agencies to tackle this.

“The safety of our customers and employees is our priority, everyone should be able to go about their journey in peace.”

Last week, Silverton and Overtoun Community Council heard a crime report at their meeting, presented by PC Campbell of Dumbarton police, where they were told of the “security guards” put in place by ScotRail.

Some individuals have been put under bail conditions to stay away from the trains.

PC Campbell said: “We feel it’s had quite a good impact. It doesn’t appear to be as bad.

“We are all working together. We will get there, hopefully.”

Speaking of the wider issue of anti-social behaviour in the area, spreading to St James’ Retail Park, PC Campbell told community councillors that she has “noticed a decline” in the problem

Inspector Roderick MacNeill, from Dumbarton police station, confirmed that the combined action seems to be having an effect.

“It’s early days, but yes, the latest measures taken seem to have had a positive impact,” Inspector MacNeill commented.

“Calls are down but we are maintaining our current level of policing for the time being.”