AN investigation has been launched into the collision between a tractor and a freight train at a user worked level crossing in East Anglia, and it is now known that both the train and tractor driver received minor injuries.

Network Rail says 'significant' damage was also caused in the collision at about 09.10 yesterday morning.

Kisby user worked crossing is between March and Whittlesea, and train services are expected to be interrupted until early next week while Network Rail removes three derailed wagons, replaces damaged track and repairs the signalling and level crossing equipment.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has been gathering data from the scene as part of its inquiry.

Network Rail's head of safety for the Anglia route Richard Tew said: 'This was a very serious incident and we are working with RAIB to fully understand the circumstances and why this happened. We are thankful that that neither train or tractor driver are seriously hurt and we are thinking of them both as they recover from the incident.

'Our main aim now is to safely reopen the line and get passenger and freight services moving again as quickly as possible. We have a programme of works planned over the next few days and we ask that passengers bear with us while we carry out these repairs. We are sorry for the disruption this has caused.'

East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry and Greater Anglia services between Peterborough and Ely are being replaced by buses, but the journey will take about an hour longer than usual. Passengers are being urged to avoid the area by travelling via London where they can.