One person is dead and a child is fighting for their life after a train hit a car at a level crossing today.

The fatal incident happened at Station Road, in Hoghton, southeast of Preston, at around 8.50am. 

Two people were travelling in a car when it was struck by a passenger train, police said. 

One was pronounced dead at the scene, and a child, whose age has not been revealed, has been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital with life-threatening injuries. 

No passengers on the train were injured.

Fire and ambulance crews attended along with officers from British Transport Police and South Ribble Police.

A North West Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We responded to an incident in the Hoghton area of Lancashire after reports of a collision between a train and a car at 8.50am today.

'Several clinical teams attended the scene, including our hazardous area response team and two air ambulances.

'Sadly, a child has sustained life threatening injuries and has been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital for further treatment.

'No passengers travelling on the train required treatment from ambulance crews.'

A South Ribble Police spokesperson confirmed they are assisting at the scene and have advised motorists to avoid the area.

An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

A British Transport Police spokesperson said: 'We are currently on scene at a level crossing in Hoghton, Lancashire, following reports that a train had struck a car.

'Paramedics and the fire service are also in attendance. Two people were in the car and sadly one was pronounced dead the scene, the other is being taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

'There have been no other injuries reported from passengers on the train at this time.'

Any witnesses are asked to text 61016 quoting reference 152 of 25 June.

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.