GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) have been out in force at Failsworth Metrolink station in a crackdown against criminal damage and anti-social behaviour (ASB) on the tram network.

A Metrolink report released this month found that "Failsworth continues to be a hotspot location where the most significant issue remains criminal damage to shelters".

The district is now a 'priority area' for the network’s bosses in tackling this type of behaviour.

The report also found that more criminal damage incidents have been happening on the Oldham Rochdale line than any other line.

On Thursday night, officers spoke to more than 1,000 passengers at Failsworth in the space of a couple of hours, while Transport for Greater Manchester Metrolink staff issued dozens of fares.

A police spokesman said: "GMP Transport Unit reassured 1,086 passengers in two hours last night (Thursday), disrupted ASB and denied criminal activity during the commute home at Failsworth.

"Our partners, Transport for Greater Manchester Metrolink UK, safely issued 69 no ticket fares."