FIVE people have been killed and more than 50 taken to hospital after a tram overturned in south London early today.

Two people were still trapped in the vehicle after midday, as emergency teams continued their rescue efforts. British Transport Police have arrested the tram driver, although no further details have been given.

The tram became derailed soon after 06.00 on a sharply-curved junction near Sandilands tram stop, east of Croydon town centre. No other vehicle is thought to have been involved.

London Ambulance Service said 51 of the survivors have been taken to hospital so far, and at least four have serious injuries.

British Transport Poiice assistant chief constable Robin Smith said: "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 launched an inquiry.