A VAN lies on an embankment after skidding on to the York to Harrogate railway line today during a day of mayhem on icy roads around York.

The scene near Poppleton was a chilling reminder of the Selby train crash, although the van passenger - seen being tended by paramedics - escaped with minor injuries. Fortunately, no train was coming at the time of the accident. The crash was one of scores across York and North Yorkshire, which brought a barrage of complaints from motorists at the lack of gritting. But City of York Council insisted roads had been gritted yesterday afternoon with powerful salt, and said motorists had a responsibility to drive with care.

One of the worst accidents came on the York Outer Ring Road, where two people were seriously injured in a crash involving a lorry and a security van.

Updated: 12:58 Saturday, January 04, 2003