Drivers took their lives in their hands by swerving round barriers at a level crossing.

A power failure at South Woodham Ferrers railway station in Hullbridge Road caused the barriers that warn motorists a train is about to pass to remain lowered permanently.

But instead of finding an alternative some reckless drivers risked having a fatal accident by crossing the train lines.

Ray Stannard, crime reduction officer at Maldon police, said those motorists who ignored the barriers - which only reach halfway across the road - were behaving "extremely dangerously."