Actress Jane Horrocks has accused Avanti West Coast of failing to protect its customers after her suitcase was allegedly stolen by two individuals traveling without valid tickets on a recent train journey from Manchester to London.
Horrocks, 62, shared her experience on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, stating that the two passengers were permitted to remain on the train despite not having tickets and subsequently took her luggage. "Shame on Avanti for not protecting their customers," she wrote.
Avanti West Coast's social media team responded to her post, inquiring if the incident had been reported to the British Transport Police. Horrocks confirmed that she had filed a report.
A spokesperson for the British Transport Police confirmed that officers are investigating the alleged theft. "British Transport Police (BTP) officers are investigating after a woman reported that her suitcase had been stolen on a Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston train at around 2.50pm on Sunday 14 June. Enquiries are ongoing," the spokesperson told The Daily Mail.
This incident follows a separate complaint from actress Davinia Taylor, who also criticized Avanti West Coast staff. Taylor, 49, claimed she was denied boarding a train to Birmingham at London Euston despite arriving three minutes before its scheduled departure. She described the staff as "horrible and inhuman" and alleged they were dismissive of her situation, forcing her to purchase a new ticket for a later service.
Taylor shared her experience in a now-deleted video on Instagram, detailing her struggle with heavy luggage and her frustration with the staff's response. She stated that the train gates had not yet been closed when she arrived. Despite her efforts, she was told she needed to arrive earlier and was subsequently denied boarding.
Avanti West Coast has stated that they are looking into the circumstances of Taylor's experience. According to the Avanti West Coast website, platforms at London Euston typically close two minutes before a train's departure. Taylor, however, maintained she was at the platform in time and that staff were unhelpful. The operator has indicated they are investigating her complaint.