A woman escaped from her car after it apparently skidded on ice at a level crossing and was then hit by a train.

It happened at about 7.30am this morning at Frating in Essex, a village about five miles east of Colchester.

Pictures show the rear end of the hatchback mangled by the impact.

Incident Commander Dave Bond, from Essex County Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We believe the car ended up on the level crossing after skidding on some ice.

“The driver was then unable to move her vehicle before the next train came through the crossing.

“Thankfully the driver escaped from her car before the train arrived, and although the train struck the car, there are no injuries to the vehicle driver, the train driver or any passengers.”

Crews from Colchester, Clacton, Frinton, Brightlingsea and Chelmsford went to the incident.

They are working to clear the scene and Frating Abbey Farm Road is likely to be close for some time.

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