A TRAIN was brought to a standstill after two teenagers were robbed at knifepoint onboard.

The incident took place on board a London-bound train travelling from Southend and it is believed the two victims got on at Prittlewell when they were set upon.

The two teens were forced to hand over their phones and activated the emergency alarm meaning the train was forced to stop so the incident could be dealt with.

One commuter, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “The train stopped moving for quite a while just outside Shenfield and eventually we all had to get off because they said it wasn’t going any further.

“We were then told it was due to something that had happened onboard and they had to wait for the police to get to Shenfield before they could let anyone off.”

Greater Anglia informed commuters that the train had to be cancelled so emergency services could deal with the situation which involved “a disruptive passenger”.

A spokesman for Great Anglia tweeted: “The passenger communication alarm was pulled on the 3.50pm train from Southend Victoria to London Liverpool Street due to an incident onboard.

“The British Transport Police were called because of this incident therefore the service had to be terminated at Shenfield.”

The British Transport Police confirmed they attended and a teenager had been arrested.

A spokesman for the force said: “We received a report of robbery at 4.19pm on March 6 where a youth allegedly intimidated two teenage boys into handing over their mobile phones.

“Officers stopped the train at Shenfield and arrested the suspect, a 15-year-old boy from London, on suspicion of robbery. He remains in custody while officers carry out further enquiries.”

Anyone with information should contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40.