TRAINS were delayed after a car crashed close to a railway line.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Dunthorne Road, Parsons Heath, near to where it meets with the Colchester to Manningtree railway line, around 5.15pm.

Initial reports to emergency services reported the Peugeot was on the track and train services in both directions were suspended.

But when crews arrived the car was close to the track but not on it.

British Transport Police were on the scene along with the East of England Ambulance Service.

An ambulance service spokesman said two people were in the car but were not seriously hurt.

They are due to taken to Colchester General Hospital as a precaution.

Trains between Colchester and Manningtree were resumed around 5.40pm but delayed for about 20 minutes.

British Transport Police was unavailable to comment.