Dashcam footage has captured the shocking moment a 4x4 truck ploughed through the barriers at a Norfolk level crossing moments before a train was due to pass.

The vehicle smashed through the gates at speed outside Spooner Row station, sending debris flying through the air, before continuing without stopping.

A villager who heard the smash while in their garden used the crossing's emergency phone and managed to make sure the approaching train stopped in time.

Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the driver of the truck, believed to be a Ford Ranger.

Officers say they believe he was involved in a row in the nearby Boars pub before driving off.

Eastern Daily Press: The pickup truck as it broke the first barrierThe pickup truck as it broke the first barrier (Image: Submitted)

Eastern Daily Press: The truck's bumper was seen thrown into the airThe truck's bumper was seen thrown into the air (Image: Submitted)

One person who was close to the crossing when the vehicle hit the barrier said: "I can't believe what I have just witnessed."

Another eyewitness said: "I was in disbelief,  I noticed as he approached the barriers that he didn't look like he was going to stop.

"When he got closer he sped up and I could tell he was committed to going straight through them."

Parts of the gate and truck were thrown long distances and scattered across a wide area, with a bumper left in a nearby tree.

READ MORE: 4x4 ploughs through train barriers at Spooner Row, Norfolk

The incident happened at about 7pm on Saturday.

Following the SOS call, the train - which was heading to Norwich - was stopped further up the line until the area was cleared.

READ MORE: Broadland and South Norfolk councils crackdown on boy racers

Eastern Daily Press: The level crossing next to Spooner Row stationThe level crossing next to Spooner Row station (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Eastern Daily Press: The level crossing has been fully repairedThe level crossing has been fully repaired (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The level crossing has since been repaired with no further disruption for road or rail users.

British Transport Police officers are investigating the incident and have begun appealing for witnesses. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 485 of 06/03/2024.

Network Rail, Greater Anglia and East Midlands Railway have all been contacted for comment.