AT LEAST one person has been killed and more than 50 hurt after a tram overturned in south London early today.

The tram became derailed soon after 06.00 near a tunnel at Sandilands, east of Croydon town centre.

At least 50 people have been taken to hospital, and work is continuing at the scene to free some trapped passengers.

British Transport Police said: "Sadly, it looks as though there has been some loss of life.

"It is too early for us to confirm numbers but we are working hard to assess the ongoing incident and we are continuing to focus on recovery efforts."

Transport for London has suspended tram services in an area bounded by Elmers End, Harrington Road, Addington Village and East Croydon station, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been informed.