Couple's brief encounter heard over Tannoy

Normally, station Tannoys convey only depressing news about train delays or security alerts.

But there was no mistaking the sounds coming from the speaker at West Ham yesterday evening ... and they were nothing to do with the cancellation of the 5.15.

They appeared to be a couple in the throws of a passionate encounter, or, as Transport for London put it, "engaging in acts of a sexual nature". Passengers waiting for c2c and District line trains giggled as the sounds continued for several minutes.

Receptionist Laura O'Connor, 28, was on a District line train on her way home from Piccadilly Circus. She said: "As the doors opened, I could hear these strange noises coming over the loudspeaker. It dawned on me what it was and I couldn't stop laughing. He was grunting loudly and she sounded like she was having a great time."

TfL said the system could have been tampered with or that the sounds were picked up from a neighbouring property.