Trojan bus to target stone-throwing yobs

A "Trojan" bus with reinforced windows and carrying plainclothes police officers is being developed to clamp down on yobs throwing stones and snowballs at vehicles in the West Midlands, it was revealed today.

Bus operator National Express announced the plan after bus windows were broken in five attacks this week in Sedgley alone.

It will operate on routes where buses have come under attack across the region and will take to the roads early next year. Costs have not been confirmed.

National Express will launch the bus following the success of similar schemes in other parts of the country.

Drivers have been warned to be extra vigilant when driving through Sedgley, where yobs have attacked buses on the 558 route, between Wolverhampton and Dudley, with High Street and the Bull Ring being hotspots.

There have been five incidents in a week. No passengers or staff have been injured, and an investigation has been launched by police.

Detectives and National Express officials are looking through CCTV images to find those responsible.

Safer travel manager for the firm Tony Dallison, said the Trojan bus scheme was designed to target those who smashed windows.

"We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and are developing this bus scheme," he said.

"A Trojan bus is a vehicle with reinforced windows and plainclothes officers inside. As soon as the officers spot stone or other projectile throwing they can get off the vehicle and apprehend those responsible instantly."

Area manager John Morrow said: "This mindless vandalism thankfully has not resulted in injuries for passengers or staff.

"Safety remains our absolute priority. We will remain in close contact with police officers to share any CCTV images."