Transport for London (TfL) has begun admitting liability in regard to claims of compensation from the Croydon tram crash.

Seven people died and 51 were injured after a tram derailed as it entered a sharp bend at almost four times the speed limit on Wednesday, November 9, last year.

Read more: Croydon tram crash victims 'ejected through windows' during derailment

Read more: Croydon tram crash- Police apologise for sending invitation to survivors meeting to seven killed in derailment

Survivors and the victims’ families are suing TfL, which manages the network, and Tram Operations Limited, which runs the trams.

Both organisations wrote to a law firm handling a damages claim in relation to Mark Smith, 35, who was among the victims.

They advised the law firm that the letter was an "admission of liability for the purposes of your client's civil claim".

The insurers said they were “not in a position to comment” on specific allegations of negligence, and added that “all interim payments requested” have been made to the claimant.

Richard Geraghty, a specialist serious injury lawyer from Slater and Gordon, which represents two of the victims, said: "Our clients are relieved that the defendants have admitted liability in the Croydon tram crash case.

"The trauma they have been through as a result of the crash has been difficult for them to come to terms with and the news that they will not have to endure a civil trial is very welcome.

"As there is a criminal investigation ongoing it would be inappropriate for us to comment further, but our clients are anxious to find out the full facts of what happened and what caused the crash that devastated their lives."

An interim report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch said the tram was travelling at 46mph as it entered the bend, which has a 13mph limit.

The driver, Alfred Dorris, 42, from Beckenham, was arrested near the crash site and was questioned on suspicion of manslaughter before being bailed until May.