Furious friends of a woman killed after being struck by a train say two Staines pedestrian rail crossings are "accidents waiting to happen".

Preliminary findings by the independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found no issues with the condition or operation of the train or the signalling system that could have contributed to the accident.

Mum-of-three Theresa Mansell, 66, was hit by a train as she used a foot level crossing at Moor Lane.

The former art teacher known as Terri was walking with best friend Heather George on April 16 when she got her foot stuck between the track and wooden planks, was struck and died at the scene.

Mrs George, 50, of Waters Drive - who held Terri after she was hit for 14 minutes before help arrived - insists the crossing is still dangerous.

She said "I'm absolutely furious. They cut back hedges and laid matting - but you can still get your foot stuck in that. And why would they do that if there wasn't a problem?"

Brian Smith, of Moor Lane who used to walk on Stanwell Moor with Terri, has been campaigning about the crossing where his friend died and another behind the Two Rivers Estate, three-quarters of a mile up the tracks, since 2005.

Mr Smith said he was "disgusted" with the RAIB's preliminary findings.

Mr Smith said he took a rail inspector from the Health and Safety Inspectorate, which was replaced by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) in 2006, to the Two Rivers crossing in February 2005 but has heard nothing since.

A spokesman from the ORR said he would see if this case was followed up.

He added: "The railways are a very dangerous place. Level crossings are one of our major concerns and we are working to make them as safe as possible and to make sure people are well informed about how to use them."

A Network Rail spokesman said black box evidence proved the driver sounded his horn but Mrs George said even if it did sound, which she does not remember, it could have been muffled.

The spokesman said it could not comment beyond that it was cooperating with the RAIB's investigation.

The RAIB is expected to publish a concluding investigation report with recommendations to improve safety.