A LEVEL crossing was closed after a lorry struck a barrier while the warning light was flashing.

The barrier on the crossing in Station Road, Lawford, was left bent after the incident which occurred at about 11am on Wednesday.

It caused a hefty backlog of traffic up Brantham Hill as vehicles queued to move through the underpass which has a give way system in place.

Lorries unable to fit through the underpass were forced to queue meaning a long line of HGVs were left congesting the village’s roads.

Eyewitness Jack Cardy, who saw the traffic chaos, explained the situation became “dangerous”.

“The traffic was tailed back past the Brantham roundabout and people were overtaking lorries who were waiting, which made it extremely dangerous.

“It seems like a vehicle has tried to get over the bridge when the lights were flashing. They didn’t make it and so collided with the barrier.

“The police were at the scene questioning witnesses.”

Network Rail Anglia confirmed trains were still running but needed to be cautioned while travelling through the area, which led to delays between London and Norwich.

In a statement, it said: “A lorry has hit the level crossing barriers near Manningtree. When the lights are flashing at level crossings stop and wait for your own safety.”

Essex Police have been contacted for comment.