A train conductor has died shortly after a confrontation with two youths who were travelling without paying the fare.

The two youths, aged 15 and 16, argued with the conductor when he checked their tickets and the incident descended into ‘pushing and jostling’ after he called two colleagues for backup, a police spokesman said.

The Telegraaf reported that the conductor became unwell on the platform at Hilversum station after putting the youths off the train on Sunday evening. Emergency services were unable to resuscitate him at the scene.

Police said it was unclear if his death was a result of the incident on the train and have asked witnesses to come forward.

One of the youths was detained by police at the station, while the other was arrested at his home later in the evening.

A spokesman for train operator NS said the conductor was a 62-year-old man from Hengelo in Overijssel. ‘We are deeply upset and saddened that our colleague has died,’ the spokesman said. ‘The circumstances and his medical situation must be fully investigated.’

Update: Police said on Tuesday that a post mortem examination had shown no connection between the incident and the conductor’s death.

The two youths were released from custody with a fine for travelling without a ticket.