Patrols tackle rowdy school buses

Youngsters causing rowdy behaviour on public transport to and from school are being targeted by police on Teesside.

Officers in Hartlepool have launched Operation Ride and Hide in an effort to reduce anti-social behaviour during the school rush hour.

Extra patrols are being mounted at schools and undercover officers will ride buses used by schoolchildren.

The move follows a rise in the number of complaints from commuters and bus operators about anti-social behaviour.

'Negative impact'

Sgt Ricki Mansell, of Cleveland Police, said: "Our public transport system can get busy during the main school rush hours and we do unfortunately see a significant amount of anti-social behaviour occur during these times.

"It's this kind of behaviour that can have a negative impact on people who are going about their day to day business.

"We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and want to ensure people can enjoy the public transport system in Hartlepool without feeling threatened."

Operation Ride and Hide will continue during the remainder of the school term.