TRIBUTES have poured in for a “proud railwayman” and c2c driver who died while on duty for the train operator.

Steve Jones, 56, from Purfleet died after suffering a heart attack shortly before pulling into Barking station at about 8.45pm on Monday - despite the best efforts of British Transport Police officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Trust and London Air Ambulance.

Mr Jones’s death was announced the following morning and promted a flood of tributes to a colleague and friend who had been a local driver since 1980 and based at the East Ham depot.

Fellow East Ham driver and ASLEF union rep Mark Daniels said: "It is with a heavy heart that today we say goodbye to one of our own at the young age of 56. Steve Jones was one of the proud railwaymen to start under British Rail.

"Steve was always willing to tell many stories – some believable and maybe some tall tales. However he was a great work colleague who will be missed; he will be a character lost from the mess room; but he will be most missed by his family including his two children.

"RIP Jonesy."

Kevin Frazer, c2c’s delivery director, added: "The thoughts of all of Steve's colleagues and friends at c2c are with his family at this difficult time.

“Thank you to all our passengers for their understanding last night while we helped support the ambulance service and British Transport Police in their efforts."

Colleague Michael Leech took to Facebook to pay his respects.

He said: “So sad today at the loss of a good railway guy Steve Jones who sadly passed away last night whilst driving a train.

“Another experienced guy I learned my trade from gone. I will always remember his advice and be thankful for the time he gave me. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and the c2c family. RIP Steve.”

Three services were cancelled and many more delayed following the incident, with disruption stretching after midnight, but James Savill of the c2c Customers group said he had nothing but sympathy for Mr Jones’s family and friends.

He said: “I would like to send my personal condolences to Mr Jones’s family and his colleagues at c2c - as I’m sure all c2c commuters would.”

A spokesman for the London Ambulance Trust said: "We were called at 8.43pm on Monday, April 25, to reports of an unwell man at Barking station.

"We sent a number of resources, including an ambulance crew, incident officers, and London's Air Ambulance.

"Sadly, the man died at the scene.”