A lorry driver charged with dangerous driving after a crash at a level crossing in Downham Market is feared to have returned to Romania, after failing to show at court.

Vasile Giurgiu, 36, was due to appear for a plea, case and management hearing at Norwich Crown Court yesterday.

But a warrant for his arrest was issued after he failed to show.

The court heard that he may have gone on the run back to his home country of Romania, and fears were raised that the court might never see him again.

Giurgiu, whose last address was Willow Lane, Mitcham Junction, in Surrey, was charged with dangerous driving following the crash involving his lorry and a goods train on the St John's Way level crossing, off the A1122 bypass near Downham station, on November 13 last year.

He was granted bail at a previous hearing despite concerns that he might fail to turn up in Norwich.

The rail crash disrupted train services for some time with rail passengers and drivers facing six hours of disruption. Thameslink Great Northern services between Ely and Downham Market were replaced by buses after the lorry collided with part of the crossing barrier, before it was in turn struck by a train.

No-one was injured in the crash, which happened at about 9.30am.

The goods train came to rest on the single track crossing, closing the line to Downham Market until it could be moved at around 3.15pm.

Giurgiu was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving by British Transport Police.