A You Tube video that allegedly shows 34-year-old Emma West, racially abusing fellow passengers on a tram, swept the world last week and now the woman at the center of the controversial viral video, that has sent anger waves around the world, has been arrested and remanded in custody.

Emma West appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court in south London charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

A video allegedly showing the 34-year-old, of New Addington, racially abusing fellow passengers whilst a young child sat on her lap, on board the busy tram has been viewed more than 11 million times since appearing online on November 27.  She was arrested last Monday after the footage was posted on YouTube.   A bail application was made by West’s solicitor David Ewings, but it was denied by the magistrate Ian McNeal.

She was remanded in custody to appear by video link, as there is fear for her safety for a committal hearing at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on January 3.  West has not yet pleaded.