A shocked motorist today told how he was inches from being killed when a train heading for Colchester thundered past him on a level crossing.

A signalman told Chris Morris he was clear to use the crossing at Wrabness.

But just as Mr Morris started moving forward the passenger train hurtled past, missing him by six inches.

Mr Morris, 48, of Great Bentley, has demanded to know what happened.

Architectural technician Mr Morris was driving to Copperas Wood in Wrabness at 4.45pm on Wednesday to see a client.

He said: "There's a gate each side of the railway line, you pull up to the gate, get out and phone the signalbox to make sure it's clear. I have done this several times before.

"The guy said 'yes it's ok'. I shut the gate behind me and started to move forward and a train just came roaring past right in front of me."

Once the train had passed by, Mr Morris drove to the other side and rang the signalman to ask what had happened.

"I am not one for stirring things up, but I feel so incensed by this, I can't believe it."

A spokesman for First Great Eastern said the train was cancelled at Colchester following the near miss but passengers were able to continue their journey without any major delays.

Lindsey Thompson, press officer for Railtrack, said a full investigation would be launched. She added: "For whatever reason, the signalman has made an error and said it was ok. It's an extremely serious incident."

Published Friday August 16, 2002

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