Grace Jones in Eurostar attack

Actress and singer Grace Jones had to be escorted off a Eurostar train by police in Kent after allegedly attacking a train manager, it was revealed today.

The 56-year-old star was reported by passengers to have grabbed the female manager's arm and sworn at her in French and English in a row over a ticket upgrade.

The 39-year-old train manager, who has not yet been named, contacted British Transport Police (BTP) who came aboard the Paris to London train when it reached a scheduled stop at Ashford last night.

The train was held up for 15 minutes as Jamaican-born Jones, who starred in the James Bond film A View To A Kill, refused to move.

Eventually she was taken off the train by three BTP officers. Later, her personal assistant arrived by car and drove her to London.

The incident began when Jones, who had boarded the 7.43pm train in Paris with a first-class ticket, moved into the premium class area.

Eurostar communications director Paul Charles said: "Grace Jones was challenged by the train manager and was told that, as she did not have a premium class ticket, she would have to pay for an upgrade.

"She said she had no money and refused to move. Passengers told us that she was arguing and verbally abusing the train manager. She then attacked the manager, grabbing her arm.

"A male catering assistant managed to separate the two women and tried to calm Ms Jones down."

Jones would have paid about £300 for a first-class return ticket. A one-way premium upgrade would have cost her an additional £70. Mr Charles said: "We are not pressing charges but we will not tolerate any verbal or physical abuse from anyone against passengers or staff on Eurostar."

A BTP spokesman at Ashford said: "Ms Jones was challenged over her ticket and asked to pay an excess charge. She refused to pay and officers were called.
"She left the train at their request. No further action is being taken."

The train manager has been with Eurostar for 11 years.

Jones has a reputation for fiery behaviour.

In the Eighties TV viewers saw her attack chatshow host Russell Harty on live TV when she objected to his turning away from her to talk to another guest.