A video of a mother shouting and screaming vile racist abuse holding a child has gone viral after being uploaded on YouTube.

The woman, on a tram from Croydon to Wimbledon, hurls abuse at other passengers telling them to go back to their own country and saying they aren’t British because they are black while holding a young boy.

Posted by LadyK89 on Sunday November 27, the video has already attracted about 10,000 views and was the source of debate on Twitter.

British Transport Police have said they have launched an investigation and Transport for London which runs the trams today condemned the woman's behaviour.

The woman could be prosecuted for her racist tirade.

Comments on the video include The Specialscrew, who says: “As a white British male, I feel disgusted to even be associated with this woman by my race and nationality. I thought there was pretty much no such thing as a native Englishman, aren't we all pretty much Scandinavian anyway?”

A second commenter states: “Stupid ignorant woman clearly setting a bad example for the child its people like this setting a bad example for our once great country.”

A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: “The video posted on YouTube and Twitter has been brought to our attention and our officers have launched an investigation.

“At present it is not entirely clear which tram stops the offence took place between and when it occurred. As a result we need anyone who witnessed this incident, or with any information that could assist our investigation – including the identity of the woman – to contact us.

“We will not tolerate racism in any form on the rail network and will do everything in our power to locate the person responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B6/LSA of 28/11/11.

UPDATE: A Transport for London spokesman said: “All of our customer have the right to use our services without fear of being abused.

"TfL will not tolerate this disgusting and offensive behaviour and we will work with the police to fully investigate this incident.

"London Tramlink has a dedicated team of police officers who patrol the network and we would like to assure all our customers that we will continue to do everything we can to ensure that they can travel safely.

"We would appeal to whoever posted the video to contact us in confidence.”

Do you know the woman? Call the newsdesk on 0208 722 6351. Or email nhitchens@london.newsquest.co.uk