A high-speed car chase led police across two counties and smashed through rail crossing barriers at Lakenheath train station, Station Road, last night.
Officers from forces in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire were scrambled to the pursuit which spilled over into Suffolk.
Police are appealing for witnesses following the fail-to-stop incident in Lakenheath as the suspects were able to flee.
One eyewitness said two trains heading in opposite directions were halted at Lakenheath after the maroon BMW broke through the barriers, which were down at the time.
“A local man was helping traffic to cross,” they said.
It is thought the car travelled through Lakenheath shortly before 7pm – after which, Suffolk police officers joined the chase.
The driver was eventually brought to a halt 28 miles away, in the Brick Row area of Babraham, south of Cambridge.
A spokesman from Network Rail said traffic lights and signals were still working, but that trains have been reduced to five miles per hour through the crossing. They said work to repair the barriers should be completed by midday today.
A police spokeswoman said: “At approximately 6.40pm yesterday, officers had reason to request a vehicle to stop in Station Road.
“The vehicle, a red Audi TT, failed to stop for police, ploughing through the level crossing barriers as it travelled towards Holywell Row. The vehicle was later recovered in Willow Park, Beck Row.
“Officers conducted a search of the area, with the assistance of the National Police Air Service helicopter, but the suspects were not located.”
A spokesman from Network Rail said: “The crossing is now no longer fit for purpose as the barriers were completely broken and the object detection system has been damaged.
“Workmen are now working to replace the barriers and detection system with marshals on site to direct traffic.
“The traffic lights and signals are still working and trains have been reduced to five miles-per-hour through the crossing.
“The work should be completed by midday.”
A Greater Anglia spokesman apologised to passengers affected by the disruption between Norwich and Cambridge.
Anyone with information should contact West CID at Suffolk police on 101, quoting CAD 372 of July 20.
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