NO one is taking responsibility for a decision to lock passengers on a train with two “lunatics” for half an hour.

The Argus reported last week how frightened travellers on a Brighton to Hastings train were stuck with violent thugs who had punched passengers.

A member of the train staff was assaulted before the doors were shut, locking the passengers inside.

The pair then threatened to set light to the carriage and take hostages.

More people were then assaulted, it is claimed.

The incident attracted nationwide attention, with many people asking why the doors were locked for half an hour.

Video footage captured the moment the fracas spilt out into Lewes Station after the train doors were finally unlocked.

But no one is taking responsibility for the decision to close the doors.

After checking with their control room, British Transport Police (BTP) said they did not give the advice.

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) still insists the advice was given “by the emergency services”.

That is what the company told passengers during the incident after they desperately tweeted GTR to unlock the doors.

A spokeswoman said the company “stood by our tweet in that the advice was given by the emergency services”.

GTR said the doors were locked “to await police presence”.

BTP said that due to other incidents happening at the same time, they took 33 minutes to respond.

The train doors were unlocked after about half an hour.

No arrests were made.

Aidan Dodsworth was waiting outside Lewes Station for his partner and two-year-old child who were on the train.

He said: “By the time I arrived, I started hearing screaming and shouting.

“The guy that was the main one causing all of the issues was outside the station shouting and screaming at everyone.

“Things intensified when he started shouting he had a knife and started kicking a taxi.

“Someone came and dragged him away from the incident and about five minutes later the first police car turned up.”

The drama happened on Tuesday, November 26.

Were you on the train? Contact jody.doherty-cove@theargus.co.uk or ring 01273 021384.