Van causes £20k damage driving into level crossing

Network Rail said it would take several days to repair the damage

A van trying to "beat" a level crossing has caused £20,000 worth of damage and several days of repairs.

Network Rail warned crossing the tracks when the barriers were lowered could be fatal, after the crash at Grasslot in Maryport, Cumbria.

Trains are still running along the stretch of Cumbrian coastline and residents have reported hearing trains tooting their horns to warn vehicles and pedestrians at the crossing.

Network Rail said a traffic light system also warned of passing trains and additional staff were on site to "help people safely over the railway".

The company said they found the barrier "strewn across the road" on Friday, after the van drove through the crossing.

Wendy Potter, the firm's operations manager for Cumbria, said: "You can't beat the barrier.

"Please, if the barriers are down and the red light is showing, do not attempt to cross the tracks."