A TRAIN operator has been forced to apologise after an alleged racist remark was made over a station tannoy.

The incident took place at the Wallsend stop of the Tyne and Wear Metro, when an Eastern European man was allegedly begging passengers for money.

An announcement made over the PA system said: "We've had numerous complaints about your behaviour demanding money and begging. You might do it in your country but you're not doing it in here."

Metro bosses said they were taking the remarks very seriously and an investigation has been launched.

Paul Walker, customer service director at DB Regio Tyne and Wear, which operates Metro on behalf of Nexus, said: "We are aware a member of our staff made a tannoy announcement at Wallsend Metro station which may be deemed inappropriate.

"We would like to apologise for any offence caused and can assure customers that reports of inappropriate or offensive behaviour by staff are taken very seriously.

"A full investigation into the matter is currently ongoing to establish the facts and, based on the outcome, appropriate action will be taken."

They said the station in Newcastle is not staffed and so a combination of CCTV and the PA system is used to monitor platforms.