AN ABINGDON man was cut free from his mangled car, above, after it was crushed by a train on a level crossing.

The 58-year-old was taken to hospital after his silver Volkswagen Polo was shunted 20 yards in the impact in Shiplake shortly before 6.30pm on Thursday.

It was the same place where police had been conducting a safety campaign hours earlier.

The driver, who had been visiting the area, near Henley, escaped with a broken arm.

Firefighters were forced to cut off the roof of his car, along with the driver’s door and boot to reach him. He was taken by stretcher to the Royal Berkshire Hospital but later discharged.

None of the train’s passengers or driver were injured.

One neighbour said: “I just cannot believe this has happened again. There have been four accidents with cars and trains in recent years, but this is the most serious I have seen.”

The crossing uses red flashing lights to warn of approaching trains.

The train involved was the 6.17pm First Great Western service travelling from Henley to Twyford. It had been slowing into Shiplake.

Passengers were evacuated from the train and given taxis to their destinations. The line remained closed until after midnight.

British Transport Police last night said it was investigating the incident to decide if any further action would be taken.

Sergeant Chris Maddox said officers had launched a three-month safety campaign at Shiplake level crossing on November 7 and had been beside the crossing all week, offering advice and education to drivers.

He said: “In just the last two weeks a woman driver was reported for dangerous driving at the crossing when a train was forced to make an emergency stop to avoid colliding with her vehicle.”

Anyone with information on the latest incident can call British Transport Police on 0800 405040.