Croydon fell silent this morning as the community came together to mark the first anniversary of the Sandilands tram derailment.

More than 50 people were injured and seven people – Dane Chinnery, Donald Collett, Robert Huxley, Philip Logan, Dorota Rynkiewicz, Philip Seary and Mark Smith – sadly lost their lives in the incident.

On November 9, hundreds of people attended a civic ceremony on Central Parade in New Addington, during which a minute’s silence was held and a permanent memorial was unveiled for the first time in honour of the seven who died and others affected by the tragedy.

Leader of Croydon Council Tony Newman said: “A year has now passed since this tragedy occurred, but that fateful day remains etched on Croydon’s mind.

"I am pleased the community has come together today to pause, reflect and remember those deeply affected by this terrible incident. Croydon will never forget.”

The event followed a private ceremony earlier in the morning close to the site at Sandilands, for the families who lost loved ones.

During their visit a permanent memorial plinth inscribed with the names of their relatives and the date of the incident was uncovered, and a minute’s silence was also held. Both memorials were designed in consultation with the families of those who sadly died.

Relatives of Mr Collett and Mr Logan spoke during the ceremony, along with Sergeant Chris Morbey from British Transport Police who spoke movingly about being one of the first responders at the scene.

The ceremony was brought to a close with a performance from the choirs of nearby Fairchildes Primary School and Meridian High School, as flowers were laid in tribute.