I am devastated for the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and those who have been injured.

Clearly something has gone catastrophically wrong and we will work tirelessly and quickly with the emergency services, the tram operator FirstGroup and others to establish the cause. My team will continue to be available in Croydon to assist those affected and the wider community in the area.

The police has set up a telephone number for relatives and friends to call: 0800 056 0154.

I want to thank the emergency services and many others involved in responding.

ENDS

Latest travel advice:
There is currently no tram service between East Croydon and Addington Village/Harrington Road/Elmers End and a limited service on the rest of the line. Services are unlikely to run on this route for the rest of today and tomorrow.

The A232 Addiscombe Road is closed and some buses have been diverted. Tram tickets are accepted on alternative TfL and National Rail services. Additional bus services are running on routes 130, 289, 367 and 466.

For full details and alternative travel options, please visit tfl.gov.uk/tram-incident

Information for reporters:

  • At 6:13am a westbound tram derailed after leaving the Sandilands tunnel in Croydon
  • It had left New Addington approximately 20 minutes earlier on the way to Wimbledon
  • On leaving the tunnel and going round a curve, the tram tipped on to its side
  • Emergency services were on the scene within minutes
  • Sadly, the BTP has now confirmed there has been loss of life and a number of people injured