Operation Trojan, operated by the local Multi-Agency Problem Solving Team and Lancashire Council’s Safer Travel Unit, also saw thirty litres of alcohol seized.

Police used a single-deck bus with reinforced windows supplied and driven by Burnley and Pendle Travel, and two unmarked cars acting as taxis with plain-clothed officers, to target hot-spots in the town.

One man was arrested after throwing beer at the bus, and another for causing danger to road users after he shown a green laser pen into the eyes of the ‘taxi’ driver in Piccadilly Road.

Rick Wilson of the Safer Travel Unit said: ‘Attacks against buses which serve the community, by providing access to employment, education and leisure, affect everyone and could ultimately result in services being withdrawn. We will continue to partner with our close colleagues in the Burnley MAPS team and partner agencies to deploy tactical operations, such as Operation Trojan, and ensure that criminals who target public transport are brought to justice’.

There was no mention in the reports of whether action was taken against the police drivers for plying for hire without a licence or driving unlicensed private hire vehicles or taxis.