Investigation after car hits train

The vehicle, an empty 4x4, went on to the track at North Rode in Congleton, Cheshire, where it was hit by a southbound train at around 6pm on Thursday.

The ambulance service said several passengers in the train suffered minor injuries but no one was taken to hospital.

Part of the train was derailed during the collision. A second train was also involved in the incident but is not believed to have hit the car.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said: "We understand this has been caused by someone who has not paid too much attention to putting on their handbrake, causing their car to go down a hill, through a boundary fence and on to the track.

"It was hit at around 6pm by the southbound Deansgate to Stoke-on-Trent service. The northbound Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester Piccadilly service was also involved as it was going past at the time, but it is not believed to have hit the car."

An investigation has been launched by British Transport Police, who attended the scene with fire crews and the ambulance service.

North West Area Commander, Chief Superintendent Peter Holden, said the vehicle involved would be checked.

He added: "I think it could have been a lot worse; there were passengers on both trains, and it is remarkable and real testament to the build of trains these days that we are not looking at any serious injuries.

Network Rail said services between Manchester and London would not be affected by the crash, but local rail services between Stockport and Stoke-on-Trent would be subject to delays.