Inquiry launched into train skid

An inquiry has been launched after leaves on a rail line caused a train to skid past its stop.

The West Anglia Great Northern (WAGN) service from Finsbury Park overshot the station at Hitchin, Hertfordshire, on Tuesday before grinding to a halt close to rails used by express trains.

Commuter Mike Danbury, 48, said the driver of the 1956 GMT service said the problem had been caused by grime and leaves on the line, but many people in his carriage were panicking.

WAGN said the driver had been sent home and an inquiry launched into the incident, but added the train would not have been able to pass in front of the path of express services.

"We were very frightened," said Mr Danbury. "We thought we might be heading for another major disaster like Hatfield or Potters Bar."

Passengers who had wanted to get off the train at Hitchin were taken to the next stop to wait for the next return service to the town.

A WAGN spokesman said: "The train overshot the platform by three carriages - this is an extremely rare occurrence."