POLICE arrested two youths in Bradford after targeting vandalism hotspots in a 'Trojan Bus' operation.

In a bid to combat rising damage against passing buses, the Bradford West Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out the operation in Thornton, Allerton, Clayton and Fairweather Green.

A Trojan Bus is a tactic used by police which sees officers in plain clothes ride on bus services through problem areas with a view to catching yobs in the act of throwing missiles, or gathering key intelligence on suspects.

A police spokesperson said: "Bradford West NPT conducted a Trojan Bus operation in Thornton, Allerton, Clayton and Fairweather Green to combat rising damages against passing buses.

"Two youths were detained in separate incidents of damage during the evening and will be dealt with accordingly."

As far back as 2020, the Telegraph & Argus reported how police in Bradford had started using Trojan Buses to crack down on anti-social behaviour which had been blighting communities.

Back then, the Holme Wood and Bierley estates were the main source of concern over missile-throwing youths.

However, in recent weeks, the Ravenscliffe estate has emerged as the district's bus vandalism hotspot.

The 645 service stopped serving Ravenscliffe again on Monday, after a bus was attacked at around 4.30pm.

But the service was back running yesterday after First had earlier suspended it due to the vandalism.

That incident came just four days after First refused to send the same service into estate following another episode of mindless damage.

In the earlier spate, First revealed that a group of youths had thrown snowballs - supposedly containing stones - at the bus and the missiles ended up smashing a window.

A First spokesperson added: “The safety of our staff and customers is our highest priority and we are working closely with the police to investigate the incidents including the use of on board CCTV footage to help identify the individuals involved

"Although isolated, such attacks can have very serious consequences and we would encourage anyone with information to contact the police or get in touch with Crimestoppers.

“Every time we have to divert buses or shorten a route it is disrupting the lives of local people in the communities we serve. 

“Acts of vandalism cause significant interference to timetable arrangements.

"We aim to source a replacement bus as quickly as possible in order to minimise disruption to our customers, but when vandalism does occur whilst the bus is in service, then inevitably and regrettably will result in at least part of that scheduled journey being cancelled."