Network Rail has admitted breaching safety regulations over the 2002 Potters Bar train crash.

The tragedy in May of that year saw seven people lose their lives.

A faulty set of points was to blame for the crash which caused a West Anglia Great Northern express travelling from London to King’s Lynn in Norfolk to derail just outside Potters Bar station.

Six passengers on the train were killed and more than 70 injured.

A pedestrian also died after being hit by debris.

The plea was entered at St Albans Crown Court in Hertfordshire today and the case is listed for sentencing on May 12.

The maintenance company involved was Jarvis while the overall responsibility for the track lay with Network Rail’s predecessor company, Railtrack.

Last year, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) launched proceedings against Jarvis and Network Rail under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Both companies were accused of failings over the installation, maintenance and inspection of adjustable stretcher bars which keep the moveable section of the points at the correct width for train wheels.

Earlier this month, the ORR said it was not proceeding with the prosecution of Jarvis which went into administration last year.