'Too fast commuter train nearly left rails'

An urgent investigation was launched today after a commuter train was "almost thrown from the tracks" as it approached London.

It happened moments after the driver allegedly told passengers to "hold your breath" as he tried to make up time after a 20-minute delay.

Passengers believe the train tipped onto two wheels as it turned a corner too fast, only a few miles from the scene of last year's Potters Bar rail crash.

Rupert Carlile, company manager of the Almeida Theatre in Islington, said: "Bags and passengers started flying all over the place. It was awful."

Train operator West Anglia Great Northern is investigating the incident on the 6.55am service from King's Lynn to King's Cross. The driver has been suspended from duty.