IT’S a craze which has been sweeping the London Underground for weeks – and now it has hit our region’s trains.

Prank signs, which have been appearing on various trains and platforms across the capital, have now also been spotted on Greater Anglia’s carriages.

Bosses at the rail firm will be forced to spend more than a penny to clear up after this sign appeared aimed firmly at Ipswich.

Spotted in the toilet of a rush hour InterCity train from Norwich to London on Monday morning, the fake notice has attracted huge interest after being posted on social network site Twitter.

Stephen Dunn, who saw the sign, tweeted: “Has Greater Anglia got something against Ipswich?”

Mr Dunn gave details of which coach he had seen the offending sign in and a spokesman for the rail company said cleaners would be instructed to clear any authorised signs.

The spokesman added: “We will take appropriate action towards anyone who is found to have defaced information or safety notices, in the same way we take a robust stance in responding to any incidents of graffiti.”

He was not aware of any widespread problems of prank stickers appearing on the region’s trains – but said staff would be told to look out for them and remove any that they saw.

The identity of the sticker culprit remains a mystery – although some suspect the fact that the train started its journey in Norwich could be a factor.

Ipswich MP Ben Gummer was amused to see the sign, but understood the irritation felt by Greater Anglia bosses over what they see as vandalism.

However he could not resist taking a pot-shot at our Norfolk neighbours.

Mr Gummer said: “The good people of Norwich clearly have issues with their continence. If they’re caught short, I’d advise them if possible to use the facilities in the station, with its hot and cold running water, paper and a seat – luxuries not always available north of the Waveney.

“If they can’t make it off the train then the best I can do is remind them of the old British Rail gents notice: ‘we aim to please; you aim too please’.”

London Underground staff have been unimpressed by the number of prank signs turning up over recent weeks.

British Transport Police said it would be looking to prosecute anyone found putting up guerilla stickers on trains or stations.

n Do prank signs brighten your journey – or are they just offensive? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk