Branson arrives at train crash scene

Virgin chief Richard Branson arrived at the scene of the accident after visiting casualties in hospital today.

He said: “I was on a family holiday abroad when I heard of the accident last night and I returned as soon as I could. I have been visiting the injured in hospital this morning and our train driver.

“I wanted to come to the scene to see the damage and also to thank all the emergency services for the work they have done. I will be speaking with the people who have worked on the accident and all the officials involved.”

Richard Branson was forced to walk on foot to the scene as he was not allowed past a police cordon and gasped as he saw the wreckage come into view.

He stressed the safety features of the Pendolino and said he feared the accident could have been much worse if it had involved an old train.