Image source, EPA

The driver of a tram that crashed, killing seven people and injuring dozens more, is being questioned on suspicion of manslaughter.

The 42-year-old, from Beckenham, was at the wheel when the vehicle derailed and toppled over in Croydon, south London, just after 06:00 GMT on Wednesday.

More than 50 people were injured and it is feared the death toll will rise.

Claims the tram was exceeding permitted speeds and that the driver may have fallen asleep are being investigated.

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A chilly start for many with a risk of frost in places.

After early, patchy rain, there will be spells of sunshine through the day but also scattered, perhaps heavy and thundery showers developing. Breezy, but less cold than Wednesday.  

Maximum temperature: 11C (52F).

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Seven people die, 51 are hurt, and a driver is arrested after a tram derails in London, police say.

At least seven people have died and dozens more have been injured after a tram overturned in London.

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Tom Edwards
Transport Correspondent, BBC London

It’s a very sombre mood in this area. What struck me is trams in particular are very tightly knit to their communities and so everyone uses them – they stop often - and so this has hit this community very, very hard.

I saw a lady walking down the street making a sign of the cross.

This is a very dark day for London transport. 

Image source, PA

A grandmother whose daughter usually catches the tram which derailed in Croydon has been offering food and shelter to rescue workers at the crash site near their house. 

Sharon Yerkess's daughter Leanne, 31, was late for work so missed the tram and returned home after coming across the "horrific" crash site at 06:30.

Ms Yerkess, 53, whose house in Addiscombe Road backs on to the scene, said: "She said there had been an accident. 

"She said she could hear a woman screaming and that it was heartbreaking.

"I went outside and it was just horrific - you could hear screaming, that really hit me. It was horrible there was nothing I could do."

Martin Bamford is being treated for suspected broken ribs. 

He described the scene as "total carnage" and Croydon University Hospital was "manic" but praised staff for how they handled the situation. 

Image source, PA

Mike Brown, commissioner of Transport for London said: "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 First Group and others to establish the cause." 

Seven people are now confirmed as having died as a result of the derailment. 

Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock from British Transport Police said: “Our officers will continue to work tirelessly throughout the evening to formally identify them and provide care and support for their families.

“Identifying those who have died can be a complex and lengthy process and we want to ensure we get this right."

A 42-year-old man from Beckenham has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and is currently in police custody.

Robin Smith, Assistant Chief Constable of the British Transport Police, said they were investigating whether the driver fell asleep, alongside "a number of factors". 

He said officers would be "working through the night" at the scene, and staff would be present for a "number of days".

"We have a very difficult and very challenging scene. We have carriages that are lying on their side - very heavy, 300 tonnes worth - which will eventually have to be moved carefully. 

"And at the same time, us being able to understand exactly what happened."

Sadiq Khan confirms that five people have died in the Croydon tram crash, but fears the number of those who have died will increase.

A spokeswoman for London Ambulance Service confirmed eight people have serious or life-threatening injuries. 

Kudirat Okesola, 46, rushed to her husband's side as soon as she heard he had been in the incident. 

She said there was a lot of blood, and that some people were trapped underneath the tram calling for help. 

"People were screaming. People were crying," she said. 

Martin Bamford, 30, from Croydon, was on the tram and recalled it "speeding up", adding: "Everyone just literally went flying." 

He said people were screaming and there was "blood everywhere", describing the scene as "like something out of a film". 

Speaking outside Croydon University Hospital, where he is being treated for fractured or broken ribs, Mr Bamford said: "It was just terrifying." 

 Asked about what he witnessed as the incident unfolded, he said: "There was a woman that was on top of me ... I don't think she made it at all. She wasn't responsive. There was blood everywhere."