Tram accident boy was with mum (From Croydon Guardian)

Tram accident boy was with mum

2:38pm Thursday 24th January 2008 in News By Dan Menhinnitt

A five-year-old hit by a tram while thought to be unsupervised was with his mum, police have confirmed.

The boy, from Purley, was hit by the tram at 6.15pm on Sunday as he cycled across a pedestrian crossing between Ampere Way and Waddon Marsh tram stops.

The tram driver sounded his horn by could not stop in time and the boy was dragged under the tram.

He was freed by emergency services and taken by ambulance to St George's Hospital, Tooting, where he underwent surgery for a fractured skull, leg and pelvis.

He is currently in a stable condition and is expected to remain in hospital for up to three weeks.

On Monday Tramlink boss Roger Harding suggested that CCTV footage had shown the boy on his own.

But British Transport Police (BTP), who are appealing for witnesses to the accident to come forward, today confirmed the youngster had been with his mum.

Mr Harding said today he only had a short time to review the footage before making his comments on Monday, and police officers had access to footage his company did not.

The accident is being investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).

Witnesses should call the BTP on 0800 40 50 40.