POLICE arrested 48 people for a range of offences on a busy bus route in the run-up to Christmas.

Officers from Redbridge Police worked with neighbouring boroughs to patrol the number 25 bus – which terminates in Ilford town centre – as part of 'Operation Christmas Presence'.

Police arrested people for crimes including theft and anti-social behaviour from December 6 to 23.

Some officers boarded buses in casual clothes to catch people committing the offences, while others worked in uniform.

Sergeant Robin Hall said: “This proactive operation enabled all three boroughs to work together to reduce crime and to reassure the travelling public on our buses.

“At this busy time of year we have been successful in reducing crime on this bus route.”