AN investigation has been launched after a motorist had a lucky escape when a car was in collision with a train which had left Lowestoft.

The black BMW X5 was in collision with the train heading for London when it was struck on a level crossing close to the junction of Lime Kiln Road and Deben Road in Woodbridge, at about 2.25pm yesterday (Monday).

Suffolk police said there were no injuries in the collision on the East Suffolk line, with the car driver escaping unhurt and no passengers reporting any problems.

A bus picked the passengers up around 3.45pm.

As a result of the incident the B1438 was partially blocked to traffic at Deben Road for over two hours so that accident investigation work could be carried out.

It is understood the driver of the car, believed to be 45-years-old and from Woodbridge, was rescued from his vehicle by a passer-by.

Rebecca Milan, from Beccles, who was travelling to London, said: 'There was a loud bang. 'Luckily the train was going quite slowly. When we stopped I looked out of the window and saw the car squashed between the train and a sign - I couldn't believe my eyes.

'Sonme passers-by came and got the man and a dog out through the boot of the car. I think his wife and other friends arrived to take him home. He looked fine. Everyone on the train is okay. We were so lucky.'

Theo Steyn, from Bawdsey, who was on his way to the airport to catch a flight to South Africa, said: 'I was sitting at the back of the train. There wasn't really much of a noise. I wasn't too sure what was happening. It was a bit of a shock but thankfully I think everyone is OK.'

National Express East Anglia put on a replacement bus service between Ipswich and Lowestoft.

Passengers are being warned that journey times may be extended by up to 45 minutes and passengers were warned that journey times could be extended by up to 45 minutes.

A British Transport Police spokesman said: 'Police were called to the level crossing on Deben Road in Woodbridge, Suffolk after a report of a train striking a car.

'The incident was reported to police at 2.30pm.

'The train involved, believed to be the 1.08pm Lowestoft to Ipswich National Express East Anglia service, has remained upright and on the tracks.

'The East of England Ambulance Service has been called to attend as a precaution although at present there are no reports of serious injuries to the driver of the car or passengers onboard the train.

'Officers will be investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the car, a black BMW X5, came to be on the tracks at the time.'

• Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident 290.