INVESTIGATIONS have been launched after a busy commuter train was involved in a near miss with trackside workers near Ipswich.

INVESTIGATIONS have been launched after a busy commuter train was involved in a near miss with trackside workers near Ipswich.

The 8am service to Liverpool Street yesterday had to be cancelled at Ipswich and passengers moved on to the next train after the incident which left the driver so shaken he was relieved of his duties for the day.

A spokesman for Network Rail said: “We can confirm that the 8am Norwich to London Liverpool Street service was involved in a near miss on its approach to Ipswich station.

“This incident occurred at approximately 8.40am and allegedly involved some staff working near the rail line.

“The train was subsequently cancelled and passengers detrained. We are currently investigating this matter and are unable to make further comment.”

A spokeswoman for National Express East Anglia confirmed there had been an incident which resulted in passengers transferring onto the next service and minor knock-on delays but said the company was not in a position to comment any further on the incident or investigation.

“Our driver was very shaken hence the termination of the service and of course it's always our policy to offer drivers full support in situations such as these.”