Police officers are travelling on buses in Bradford to crack down on anti-social behaviour by youngsters.

A special police unit has been set up to ride on buses across West Yorkshire, dubbed Operation Trojan, to crack down on hooligans.

A Trojan operation has taken place in the Frizinghall and Heaton areas following incidents on buses.

Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Andy Croasdale said it was decided to tackle anti-social behaviour in the Haworth Road area after a couple of incidents on buses.

He said: “The usual things we get are shouting and swearing, kids jumping in the road in front of cars, and throwing stones at buses. There were a couple of incidents involving buses, which is why we asked for the Trojan ‘horse’.”

One incident reported was of a vandal throwing bricks at the B7 school bus in Sandy Lane, on one occasion smashing a window and causing minor injuries to children.

The latest operation, held on April 29, focused on offences at bus shelters. A police sergeant, three Special Constables and two community support officers were on board.

During the journey, three youths were detained, and advised in front of their parents, after incidents.

As the bus travelled in Manningham Lane, towards Frizinghall, an object, which was found to be a pen, was thrown at it. The bus stopped and the young man responsible was located and warned.

In Midland Road, Frizinghall, a young man ran after the vehicle in an anti-social manner. He was taken home and advised.

The bus travelled to Heaton, where a youth gesticulated as it passed. He too was detained and advised about his actions.

Police said a strong message had been delivered to those who thought it was acceptable to cause a nuisance on public transport. The intelligence gained would lead to further work by Bradford Council’s anti-social behaviour team.

Insp Croasdale said officers travelled in plain clothes, so that when miscreants misbehaved they could be identified and swooped on.

First Bus did not make any comment.