A passenger was ejected from a train mid-journey because he refused to wear a face mask on board.

He was also fined more than £120.

The train driver of the Paris to Nice TVG service made the unscheduled stop “in the middle of nowhere” – after the man “became difficult”.

He pulled into the station at Creusot and the man was escorted off.

He was taken away by the railway police.

Alain Krakovitch, general manager of SNCF Voyage, said:

“It’s a shame to get to this point, but the health and safety of all is our priority.

“Our SNCF security officers are authorized to reprimand passengers for not wearing masks.

“And, they can ask offenders to leave the train for disturbing public order.”

The journey was delayed by ten minutes – which the driver quickly caught up.

One passenger took to social media and said:

“A man was kicked off the TGV Paris-Nice because he refused to wear a mask…which created a delay for other passengers.

“Anti-maskers – you are going too far in your lack of respect.

“Let’s protect each other.”