A school has paid tribute to former student Dane Chinnery who was one of seven killed in the Croydon tram crash yesterday.

Mr Chinnery was named as the first of the victims who lost their lives when a tram derailed near Sandilands tram stop at around 6.10pm.

The head teacher of the 19-year-old’s former school, Meridian High School, in Fairchildes Avenue, paid tribute this morning.

Martin Giles also revealed at least three more former pupils from the New Addington school were involved in the crash.

He said: “The staff and students at Meridian High School have been heartbroken this morning to hear that a former student died yesterday.

“We have extended our deepest sympathies to the family and do so to the wider community, who have all been so affected.

“To our knowledge, at least three other former students have also been injured. All of the staff in the school shares their pain at this difficult time.

“As a school our first priority is to look after our students. As the full extent of what happened yesterday transpires, we are aware that many students have been directly and indirectly affected.

“We have made safe spaces and councillors available for those students who need some time out or support.

“The victims and their families are in our thoughts and prayers and we stand ready to support the community in any way that we can.”

Tom Dale, 20, a chef who also attended the school, was on board the tram with Mr Chinnery.

Mr Dale said that after the tram crashed he was looking for his friend, and asked, "Where's Dane? Where's Dane?", but all he could see was Mr Chinnery's boot where he had been sitting.

"It was like walking out of a war zone."

Mr Dale, who was badly bruised, told Press Association: "He was just a friendly, genuine lad, did no harm to nobody really. No one deserves for this to happen to them.”

Others have paid tribute to Mr Chinnery. Connor Lawrence said on Facebook: “Hearts been broken today. Words can't even begin to describe how we are all feeling.

“Dane is the funniest boy I've ever met in my life. If anyone ever needed anything he'd be there doing all he can to help.

“Rest up bro, love you.”