TRIBUTES have been paid to a c2c driver who died in his cab last night from a suspected heart attack.

Steve Jones, 56, had been driving the 20.13 from Grays to Barking, but the train came to an emergency halt as it approached Barking at about 20.30.

The train had been moving only at a reported 6mph (10km/h) because it was approaching its terminus, but Mr Jones' collapse triggered the Driver's Safety Device when his foot probably slipped off the pedal.

Steve, based at East Ham depot, was a father of two and had worked as a driver since 1980, having joined the railway in the mid-1970s.

Signallers were immediately alerted, and tried to contact Mr Jones without success. Paramedics tried to save his life at the scene, and British Transport Police officers also attended. Trains in the area were halted for a short time as a safety precaution.

British Transport Police officers in Essex have tweeted their condolences. Fellow driver and ASLEF rep Mark Jones said: "It is with a heavy heart that today we say goodbye to one of our own at the young age of 56. Steve Jones was one of the proud railwaymen to start under British Rail. Steve was always willing to tell many stories – some believable and maybe some tall tales.

"However he was a great work colleague who will be missed. He will be a character lost from the mess room, but he will be most missed by his family including his two children. RIP Jonesy."

Kevin Frazer of c2c said the thoughts of Steve's colleagues were with his family. Mr Frazer, who is service delivery director, added: "Thank you to all our passengers for their understanding last night while we helped support the ambulance service and British Transport Police in their efforts."