A still from the YouTube video

A mother of two from New Addington alleged to have the person responsible for a racist rant captured on YouTube, has appeared before Croydon magistrates, charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

Emma West, 34, was arrested by British Transport Police on Monday evening, after a YouTube video of a racist outburst on a Croydon tram was seen by 2.2million people.

Police have now asked YouTube to remove the video from their site.

West did not enter a plea and has been remanded in custody whilst psychiatric reports are prepared.

She will appear before Croydon magistrates again on December 6.

The video, entitled ‘My Tram Experience’, shows a woman hurl abuse at her fellow passengers. The offensive two and a half minute rant begins with her shouting: “What has this country come to? A load of black people and a load of f*****g polish.”

British Transport Police have launched an appeal to any passengers present on the number 3 tram, from Croydon to Wimbledon, who may be able to help the investigation.

A spokesperson for BTP said on Monday: “The video posted on YouTube and Twitter has been brought to our attention and our officers have launched an investigation.”

“We need anyone who witnessed this incident, or with any information that could assist our investigation to contact us.”

There has been substantial social media reaction to the incident.#MyTramExperience was trending on Twitter for several hours on Monday, with the video being widely condemned.

However some YouTube users have agreed with the views on the film

BTP are still appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B6/LSAof 28/11/11.

To watch the video, click here.