FIVE people have been arrested by police during an undercover operation to stop attacks on buses.

Officers posed as passengers to target youths throwing stones at moving vehicles in Sunderland and made the arrests over five nights.

Community beat manager PC Mark Reynolds said: "These individuals have been putting the lives of bus passengers and drivers at risk.

"It is only by sheer luck that nobody has been seriously injured or worse, killed by their actions."

Officers have worked closely with Stagecoach buses to drive the behaviour off the streets of Doxford Park and Thorney Close.

More than 55 incidents of stone throwing have been reported to police during the past three months.

There have been some minor injuries to passengers and drivers from broken glass, and damage to paintwork costing several thousands of pounds.

Five juveniles have been arrested in connection with the operation and have been bailed pending further inquiries.