A POLICE clampdown on anti-social behaviour in a tourist hot spot has led to the arrests of four people from the North-East.

Dozens of officers from the British Transport Police and North Yorkshire Police, assisted by special constables, combined to improve the safety of visitors to York.

BTP Chief Inspector Derek O’Mara said: “The joint operation to identify problematic groups and individuals coming in and out of York has been extremely successful.

“We had some excellent feedback from passengers and rail staff who were pleased to see that we were taking the issue of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour on trains and at stations seriously and putting in measures to address it.

“BTP officers regularly work alongside rail staff from train operators to undertake a weekly operation on a Saturday night at York station to identify passengers who are heavily under the influence of alcohol or acting anti-socially.

"If their behaviour is unacceptable we will take firm action and they will not be allowed to travel and be removed from the station.”

In the past fortnight, one man from Durham has been arrested for criminal damage after kicking and smashing a glass panel at the station, another man from Durham was arrested for being drunk and disorderly after abusing rail staff, a man from Thornaby was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and another man from Chester-le-Street was arrested on suspicion of common assault after allegedly attacking an elderly man, possession of a class A drug and criminal damage.

Inspector Andy Godfrey, of York Police, said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy the city of York and feel safe. We work very closely with our BTP colleagues and this partnership allows us to identify potentially problematic groups and take the necessary action required to minimise any issues.”

Chief Inspector O’Mara added: “This is not about trying to spoil people’s fun or ruining their day out. It’s about educating people to be aware of their alcohol consumption and their behaviour.

"We will continue to work closely with North Yorkshire Police to ensure that everyone is able to visit York and feel safe and secure.”