Chapel crossing has no barrier

Officers from British Transport Police said the car was heading towards the crossing and attempted to pass behind the train.

The men fled after the accident at the unbarriered Chapel crossing at 1210 BST on Tuesday on the Par to Newquay line.

None of the eight passengers or the two crewmen on the Wessex train was hurt. There have been a series of crashes on other crossings on the line.

Eyewitness Alan Cook said: "The crew were extremely lucky. Another foot and the car would have been in the cab."

Sub postmaster Roger March, whose shop is yards from one former blackspot at Quintrell Downs, said: "Every crossing on the line needs a barrier. Quintrell Downs has had a barrier and we have not had any accidents since."

PC Colin Burrell from the British Transport Police, said: "It could have been a very serious incident indeed.

"We ask motorists on crossing without barriers to pay particular attention and reduce speed."