A CAR driver escaped unhurt when her vehicle was struck by a train, after she had become stranded on a level crossing in Essex this morning. The crossing, on the Clacton line, is used by more than 100 trains a day.

Incident Commander Dave Bond of Essex County Fire and 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.'

The collision at Frating, near Great Bentley, happened at about 07.20 today, and it has been reported from the scene that a second train has now been brought alongside to rescue the 50 passengers on board.

The line speed at the crossing is 75mph/120kmh.

Frating Abbey Farm Road in Frating, between Alresford and Great Bentley, remains closed for the time being, and train services to Clacton-on-Sea and Walton-on-the-Naze are disrupted.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch and British Transport Police are gathering evidence from the scene.