A MAN shone a laser beam into the eyes of what he thought was a 'taxi' driver - but ended up being arrested by undercover officers on board a special police bus.

Police in Burnley arrested four people and confiscated over 21 litres of alcohol as part of Operation Trojan, which uses a decoy bus and taxis to catch those carrying out anti-social behaviour.

It has been introduced following a spate of incidents where objects have been thrown at public transport vehicles.

The single decker Burnley and Pendle Transport bus - with special reinforced windows - was tailed by two unmarked police cars and two council cars liveried as taxis on Friday night.

During the evening:

* One man was arrested for jumping on a car roof in Irene Street and charged with criminal damage.

* One man was arrested and charged with causing a danger to road users after shining a green laser at one of the fake taxis.

* One man was arrested for throwing a can of beer at the bus.

* One man was arrested for a section 18 wounding offence.

* A mini moto rider in Oat Street was given a police warning.

* Officers confiscated 19 litres of cider, one litre of wine, one litre of vodka, 19 cans of lager and some Vermouth Rosso.

Sgt Phil Hutchinson who led the operation said; “Buses and taxis being targeted is a growing problem throughout Lancashire and is often something that goes unreported by the drivers.

“We went out to the hot spot areas to target those who think that it is acceptable behaviour and don’t realise that the simple act of throwing items could cause a serious accident."