Police 'copter fly to warn train

The crew of Oscar 99 have been praised.

The crew of a police helicopter has been praised after the pilot swooped over a railway line in a bid to avert a train crash on Monday.

The Humberside Police team flew to warn the driver of the 1802 Beverley to Hull train that a car was on the track at Spring Bank West following an accident.

The helicopter flew at a low level with its sirens sounding and one of the crew waved to get the driver's attention.

The engine stopped 100m short of the car, whose driver was trapped.

The red Jaguar crashed through barriers on to the railway track after it failed to stop for a pursuing police car.

While officers contacted Railtrack about the blockage, pilot Dave Williams flew towards the oncoming train which was heading for Paragon station.

The actions of Hotel Oscar 99 were of significant assistance in preventing a serious incident occurring Humberside Police spokesman

A force spokesman said: "The pilot flew at the lowest safe height, in the line of sight of the train driver.

"They used the sirens fitted to the aircraft and one of the observers opened the door and signalled a warning with his arms.

"A male juvenile received head injuries as a result of the incident and he was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary."

Actions praised

One person was in custody, the spokesman added.

Mr Williams and his two observers Andy Groom and Les Bennett were praised for their actions.

The spokesman added: "The actions of Hotel Oscar 99 were of significant assistance in preventing a serious incident occurring."

A spokeswoman for train operator Arriva said the train was automatically halted despite the warning from the police aircraft.

"There was a 70-minute delay for passengers and we have apologised to them for circumstances which were beyond our control."