Police officer tried to stop fatal train crash

A POLICE officer desperately tried in vain to avert the Berkshire train crash which claimed seven lives, it was revealed last night.

The off-duty officer had seen a saloon car on the crossing and then watched as the barriers moved into the prevent-entry position with the vehicle still there.

The Thames Valley Police officer went to the emergency phone at the crossing to summon help - but the London to Plymouth First Great Western express train struck the car before he could get through.