TEENAGE troublemakers have been warned they face serious repercussions as police deploy a team of undercover cops on the Metro.

Operation Hades will see plain-clothed cops and Nexus staff board trains across the network as part of an antisocial behaviour crackdown.

The operation follows a spate of incidents reported on trains across North Tyneside since the turn of the year, which have included youths kicking out train windows and acting abusively towards other passengers and staff.

On Friday evening, a group of youths kicked out ten windows of a carriage near Four Lane Ends, which resulted in the train being taken out of service.

The operation will run over a number of weeks and see undercover cops and Nexus staff targeting troublemakers both during the day and at night.

Sergeant Tim Hand, of Northumbria Police, said: “Over the last few weeks, we have been made aware of increasing incidents of disorder on trains across the network, especially in North Tyneside between Benton and Howdon.

“This type of behaviour is totally unacceptable and we will take robust action against anybody who brings misery to their fellow passengers or staff.

“Operation Hades will see officers and Nexus staff in plain clothes boarding trains across the network so our message to offenders is clear – misbehave at your peril, as you may be surprised who else is sat in the same carriage.”