The transport secretary has visited the scene of the Reading rail crash and pledged to learn any lessons from the investigation now underway.

Alistair Darling has said health and safety officials and the transport police will fully examine the evidence of the Berkshire derailment.

"Our first thoughts are with those who have lost family and friends and those who are seriously injured," he said at the scene.

"You can see, looking at this accident, what an appalling experience it must have been for everyone.

"We need to find out exactly what happened in relation to this - how it was the car came to be on the crossing - and to look at the circumstances that followed immediately following the collision.

"Once we know what has happened, we will then need to learn the lessons that will follow from that - but at the moment we must allow the investigation to be completed."

Earlier, Downing Street said there were no plans for the Cabinet minister to make a Commons statement on the crash.

"The important thing is that the investigation is allowed to take place," the Number 10 spokesman said.

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

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.