Social networks this afternoon exploded with accusations of "Blood on your hands" and "Totally Failing London" hurled at Transport for London and Southwark Council after a pedestrian, believed to be in her 80s, was crushed to death by a lorry at about 12.35pm in New Kent Road at the Elephant and Castle roundabout.

Residents have long complained about the dizzying pace by which the area has been changing, without due consideration to traffic safety, pointing at the sharp contrast with TfL's declared aim at making "the area safer for all road users, including pedestrians and cyclists".

The locals who had campaigned to save the now closed pedestrian Elephant and Castle subways now argue that the lady who died this afternoon would have probably used them instead.