A Tube driver who led a “free Palestine” chant over the tannoy system has been suspended.

The Transport for London (TfL) staff member used the public address system on a Central line train on Saturday to chant “free, free”, while passengers on the packed train replied: “Palestine.”

It sparked outrage with critics accusing Sadiq Khan, the London mayor, of “creating a culture of fear in London” amid heightened tensions in the capital since the Israel-Hamas war began.

The driver has now been suspended from duties and is being questioned by police officers.

Glynn Barton, TfL’s chief operating officer, said on Monday following questions from the Telegraph: “We have been urgently and thoroughly investigating the footage appearing to show a Tube driver misusing the PA system and leading chants on a Central line train on Saturday.

“A driver has now been identified and suspended whilst we continue to fully investigate the incident in line with our policies and procedures.”

British Transport Police told the Telegraph: “A London Underground driver has come forward and officers are speaking with them this evening.”

More follows.