Blog Preston readers reacted unanimously after a commuter was held by British Transport Police at London Euston.

Steven Morrissey, 33 from Blackpool, was held because Virgin suspected he had boarded the train at Preston rather than Lancaster.

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The cost of a train from Preston is £351, compared with £93 from Lancaster, despite the fact the journey is 25 miles further from Lancaster. He was suspected of trying to exploit that particular loophole.

Our readers expressed sympathy with Morrissey while condemning the policy from Virgin Trains that charges more for a shorter journey.

MORE: Man stopped by BTP over false claims he exploited rail loophole

One said: “The ticketing from Preston is a joke – hopefully they might attempt to sort it out.”

Another added: “Yeah that’s mental! And they try and defend themselves by saying they just wanted to make sure he had the right ticket – they wanted the extra £260 more like!”

And echoing the sentiments of any, one said: “Virgin Trains are disgraceful.

“They have just highlighted their stupid and shameless ticket pricing policy. What is wrong with buying a ticket from Lancaster and getting on at Preston? Absolutely nothing.

“No wonder Branson can afford space exploration.”

Virgin Trains apologised for his treatment and offered two free first class return journey tickets.

A statement from the operator said: “Virgin Trains has an excellent reputation for customer service and we want everyone to have the best experience possible.

“Our teams make sure people have the right ticket for their journey in order to protect the majority of our customers from the actions of a small minority who try to avoid paying their way.

“However it’s clear that our people made a mistake in this case and we are sorry for Mr Morrissey’s experience.

“We have been in touch to apologise and offer him a gesture of goodwill which he has accepted.”