The transport secretary has pledged a full investigation into a rail accident which has left seven dead and dozens injured.

Alistair Darling said health and safety officials and the transport police would examine the scene of the Berkshire crash.

The collision took place between a car and the high speed London to Plymouth service early on Sunday evening.

The First Great Western service was thought to be travelling around 100 miles per hour when it collided with a car on a level crossing.

The derailment left seven people dead and over 150 injured - with 11 still in hospital on Sunday evening.

Probe

Darling sent his sympathies to those killed and pledged a full inquiry into the deaths.

"This is clearly a very serious accident and my deepest sympathies are with those involved and affected," he said.

"I want to express the deep sadness of the government for those who died and were injured and our condolences to their families.

"The emergency services have done, and continue to do, a magnificent job in difficult circumstances.

"It is too early to know why this happened but the government will ensure that this accident is thoroughly investigated.

"HSE rail inspectors and the British Transport Police are already on site."

Local MP John Redwood expressed his shock at the accident.

"I send my condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones and I wish a speedy recovery to all who are injured," he said.