Police officers to patrol buses

Both uniformed and plain clothes officers will use the buses

Police officers are to start using the buses in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, to get around the area and help stop abusive behaviour from some passengers.

Officers from the neighbourhood teams in Cobholm and Southtown said there were problems with people drinking and smoking on the buses.

There have been reports of passengers on First East of England buses being abused when they have complained.

A police spokesman said: "The idea has benefits for both organisations."

He added: "It is a convenient and quick form of travel for officers on foot to get to another part of the area without the expensive use of a vehicle.

"It enables officers the opportunity to engage with the public and answer any questions they may have.

"For First Buses it offers reassurance to the drivers that help is at hand should they encounter any troublesome passengers smoking or drinking alcohol on buses, or generally acting in a manner which may distract them from driving the bus."

Both uniformed and plain clothes officers will use the buses.