A VEHICLE has crashed into level crossing barriers near York after a police chase.

North Yorkshire Police said a 27-year-old man had been arrested for motoring and public order offences after failing to stop for officers on the A59 near York.

A spokeswoman said the vehicle crashed into the level crossing barriers near Poppleton, which serves the York-Harrogate route, following a pursuit.

"The incident happened shortly after midday today," she added. "The man remains in police custody."

Several villagers have told The Press they saw a police helicopter hovering over the village at the time of the incident, and heavy police activity on the ground.

One eyewitness said Station Road near the level crossing was shut by police after the incident.

A Network Rail spokeswoman said services on the York-Harrogate line were stopped after the incident but resumed within 25 minutes.

She added that there was no reported damage to the barrier.