NETWORK Rail has issued an apology to the family of a Marden woman who was killed after the car she was travelling in was hit by a train.

Jane Harding, aged 52, died after the Manchester to Milford Haven train hit the black Volkswagen that was driven by her husband Mark at the Moreton-on-Lugg level crossing on Saturday.

Rachel Blackman, media relations manager for Network Rail, said: "Although the investigations are in their infancy, and we have yet to understand exactly how this tragedy happened, regrettably we consider the accident is most likely to have been due in some way to Network Rail.

"Therefore, Network Rail has extended a full and complete apology to the family.

"We would also like to extend this apology to everyone who has been affected by this accident and to the community of Moreton-on-Lugg."

Network Rail confirmed yesterday that the signalman involved has been suspended on full pay while enquries continue.

British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are also conducting their own independent investigations.

Mr Harding sustained serious shoulder and pelvic injuries in the collision.

A gold Vauxhall Astra was also hit, injuring a mother and her 12-year-old daughter.