NETWORK Rail has admitted breaching health and safety laws at an Essex level crossing where two teenage girls were killed.

Olivia Bazlinton, 14, and Charlotte Thompson, 13, were hit by a train in 2005 as they crossed the tracks at Elsenham station footpath crossing.

Today Network Rail indicated guilty pleas to three charges under the health and safety act at Basildon Magistrates’ Court and was committed for sentencing.

Olivia’s father Chris Bazlinton said the move “proves that we have been lied to over the years”.

“I have no doubt Network Rail will change its procedures to ensure that action is taken when problems arise, and to avoid a cover-up happening again.

“But I think this should be transparent and open. I want to know what they are going to do to change the way they report on accidents and how they account for them.”

The company will be sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 15.

Charlotte is the niece of Sudbury businessman David Thompson.