RAIL services have been disrupted today after a van collided with a bridge in the Manningtree.

And the misery for train passengers continues after signalling problems at a level crossing in the area is now adding to the hold-ups.

A white Mercedes Sprinter van collided with the bridge in Station Road at about 10.20am.

A spokeswoman for Essex Police said officers from British Transport Police are investigating what happened.

She said the vehicle had been recovered from the scene.

A spokesman for train operator National Express East Anglia said engineers have worked as quickly as possible to restore services to normal.

He said delays of about 300 minutes can be expected and warned of short notice alterations to services.

Engineers are working to resolve the problems at the level crossing.

Commuter Andy Hollis, whose 10.08 train from Ipswich was delayed by more than an hour, said: “There’s not really much they can do about it, though on such a hot day an offer of some free refreshment would have been nice, even free WiFi, so folks can let others know easily and cheaply that they are going to be late.”

- Did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 01473 324788 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk.

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