A JOINT operation between a transport company and police to tackle troublemakers on a North-East Metro system has been hailed a success.

British Transport Police (BTP) patrols have recently been stepped up on the Sunderland section of the Metro line.

At the same time, transport company Nexus' travel support officers have teamed up with BTP officers to keep an eye on known trouble spots.

The operation, which took place on March 3, involved Metro CCTV cameras pin-pointing suspects and special squads of police officers directing officers on the ground.

They are then able to move in and take the appropriate action.

A total of 35 youths were ejected from stations, and five girls were also arrested in connection with a serious assault a week earlier, at St Peter's station, where a group of teenagers assaulted two women in their 20s.

A number of youths were moved on at South Hylton, East Boldon and Millfield stations.

In some cases, the police confiscated alcohol from the youths before moving them away from Metro property.

BTP officer PC John Foster said: "This was a very successful joint operation with Nexus and it's certainly something we'll be looking to do again.

"It was a real team effort and proved that you can't get away with crime and anti-social behaviour on the railway."