ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

A former TfL board member has sparked outrage after calling three suspected graffiti artists killed after a train struck them in south London “common scum”.

Brian Cooke also branded the men “criminals” in an extraordinary outburst on Twitter.

The men, aged between 19 and 23, were found dead on tracks near Loughborough Junction on Monday morning.

It is believed the men were graffiti artists and the driver of the train did not spot them. Spray cans and other materials were found near their bodies.

Writing about the horrific incident, Mr Cooke posted on Twitter: "Why do @BBCNews @tomedwards keep referring to the guys killed at #LoughboroughJunction as graffiti 'artists'.

"They are no such thing they are common scum and criminals who cost the railway millions and keep fares high".

Mr Cooke is a former Conservative association chairman in south-east London who was suspended by the Tories this year for calling the former Mayor of Bromley, Ian Payne, a “two faced little s***” on social media.

He was also sacked as chairman of the capital’s travel watchdog London TravelWatch after declaring his support for Boris Johnson days before the 2008 mayoral election, breaching the terms of his appointment.

Many people have taken to twitter in outrage at the "disgraceful" tweet.

One person said: “What a horrible & disgraceful thing to say. They’re people’s sons, show some respect!”

Another said: “What the hell are you talking about you disgraceful human? 3 young men died, put aside your foolish and archaic preconceptions. Think before you vocalise such brutal opinions.”

Another added: “3 lives lost, undoubtedly a traumatised train driver... shame on you for such reckless and thoughtless comments and opinion on a tragedy spare a thought for their families before you type!”

Mr Cooke’s account on the social media site has since been made private.

It comes after the three men’s bodies were discovered at about 7.30am on Monday. A source said spray cans were found near the site where they died.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: “The three men have not yet been formally identified, but we now believe them to have been aged 19, 23 and 23. They were all from the London area.

“Their families have been informed and are now being supported by specially trained officers.

“Efforts are still under way to establish the circumstances of how the men came to be on the tracks this morning.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 with reference 93 of June 18.