A high-speed car chase led police across two counties and smashed through rail crossing barriers at Lakenheath train station, Station Road, last night.

Officers from forces in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire were scrambled to the pursuit which spilled over into Suffolk.

Police are appealing for witnesses following the case as the suspects were able to flee.

At approximately 6.40pm on Thursday, officers requested a vehicle to stop in Station Road.

A red Audi TT then failed to stop for police, ploughing through the level crossing barriers as it travelled towards Holywell Row.

The vehicle was later recovered in Willow Park, Beck Row.

Officers conducted a search of the area, with the assistance of the National Police Air Service helicopter, but the suspects were not found.

Anyone with information should contact West CID at Suffolk Police on 101 quoting CAD 372 of 20 July.

One eyewitness said two trains heading in opposite directions were halted at Lakenheath after the car, originally believed to be a BMW, went through the barriers, which were down at the time.

'A local man was helping traffic to cross,' they said.

A spokesman from Network Rail said: 'The crossing is now no longer fit for purpose as the barriers were completely broken and the object detection system has been damaged.

'Workmen are now working to replace the barriers and detection system with marshals on site to direct traffic.

'The traffic lights and signals are still working and trains have been reduced to five miles-per-hour through the crossing.

'The work should be completed by midday.'

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: 'We apologise to passengers who were affected by disruption between Norwich and Cambridge on Thursday 20 July.

'One service was cancelled and a number of trains had to run at a reduced speed after a car damaged level crossing barriers near Lakenheath. An additional train service was put on between Norwich and Ely at 20.35.

'Any customers who were affected can claim delay repay compensation at www.greateranglia.co.uk/about-us/our-performance/delay-repay