Shocking moment tram passengers were forced to cower on the floor when thugs pelted stones through its windows

SHOCKING video footage has emerged of a 'mindless' attack on a busy tram that led to three young yobs being convicted of violent disorder.

The trio pelted stones through the windows of a tram in Chorlton, Manchester, causing bangs so loud that nearby residents thought they could hear gunshots.

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Passengers - including an elderly couple - were forced to take cover on the floor before the three thugs kicked the Manchester Airport-bound tram and became involved in a fight with a passenger.

Lamar Morton, who admitted violent disorder and criminal damage worth more than £5,000, was given an 18-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months at Manchester Crown Court today.

The 21-year-old, of no fixed address, is also required to complete a 30-day rehabilitation requirement and do 100 hours of unpaid work.

The attack happened at 11.30pm on July 3 last year after the trio were seen loitering on the platform of St Werburgh's Road Metrolink stop.

After abusing passengers, the trio then split up with Morton walking off in rage across the lines before jumping over a fence and then walking down a pathway which runs alongside the track.

They then pelted stones at another tram that had pulled up, smashing the windows.

Detective Constable Mark Ledger, from GMP's City of Manchester team, said: "The trio showed a complete disregard for public safety during this prolonged mindless act of vandalism.

"There is no justification or explanation for their behaviour which placed terrified innocent people in danger while they were simply making their way home.

"The stones were thrown with such force they smashed through reinforced windows while one resident thought the loud bangs were gun shots.

"Some passengers were left so shaken by the incident they were unable to use the tram network for months afterwards. I am just thankful no one was injured.

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"I hope this investigation proves how seriously we take reports of anti-social behaviour and shows our close working with partner agency Transport for Greater Manchester to bring offenders to justice.

"I hope the outcome delivers the clear message that we do not and will not tolerate behaviour like this."

A 17-year-old from Bolton, who pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was handed an 18-month youth rehabilitation order which includes a curfew for four months.

Another 17-year-old, from Beswick, who also pleaded guilty to violent disorder, was sentenced to an 18-month youth rehabilitation order which includes a curfew for six months and an extended activity requirement of 180 days.

The fact that no one was seriously injured was more by chance than design

Peter Cushing, Metrolink director

Transport for Greater Manchester's Metrolink director, Peter Cushing, said: "The scenes that unfolded at St Werburgh's Road that evening were nothing short of disgraceful.

"Passengers came under attack by three mindless individuals, while one of the vehicles was extensively damaged. The fact that no one was seriously injured was more by chance than design.

"CCTV played a vital part in securing these convictions and this case should act as a strong warning and deterrent to others.

"Each stop is also equipped with emergency call points, which are linked directly to the CCTV and will raise an alarm in the control room."