BRITISH Transport Police is appealing for information following a collision between a train and car at a Cambridgeshire level crossing.

The collision occurred at Victoria Street level crossing in Littleport just after 8am on February 25. The driver of a blue Ford Fusion drove onto the tracks and into the side of the passing 6.45am King’s Cross to King’s Lynn First Capital Connect service.

Pc Chris Abel, investigating officer for BTP, said: “The level crossing barriers were in the down position in preparation for the train service to pass through.

“When the train was about halfway through the crossing, the driver of the car drove through the barrier and collided with the side of the train, towards the back of the first carriage.”

The 71-year-old driver and a passenger were taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

Pc Abel added: “The consequences of this incident could have been fatal, but fortunately the train, which had been travelling at 80mph, was able to stop and neither the vehicle occupants or anyone on the train was badly injured.

“We will continue to work closely with Network Rail in the area to improve knowledge and, where necessary, to take action against those who continue to misuse crossings.

“Level crossings – and other crossings where road, footpaths and rail cross – are designed to keep people safe. And, when used correctly, that is exactly what they do.

“We now need to piece together the chain of events leading up to the collision and I am appealing to anyone who was on the train or in the area at the time and witnessed the incident to contact police.”

CONTACT: British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B7/LNA of 07/03/2012. Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.