Rail inspectors are investigating claims that a ‘speeding’ east coast express train threw passengers from their seats as it switched line to allow another train to pass.

One said items on the table ‘went flying’ as the 0700 Hull-London King’s Cross service allowed the 0540 from Edinburgh to overtake it.

Inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have been called in to look into the incident involving a five-car Azuma train near Grantham.

Passenger Andrew Oliver told Rail magazine: “We were accelerating away when all of a sudden the train lurched to the left. Everything on the table went flying.”

Mr Oliver, a marine lawyer, described the incident as “very violent” and “the most frightening experience I have ever had on a train”.

The speed limit at that point – less than a mile from Grantham station – is 25mph.

It was reported that some passengers were thrown from their seats. Mr Oliver praised LNER staff, saying they were “very professional” and that he “couldn’t thank them enough” for providing water and updates to passengers.

A spokeswoman for RAIB said: “Our inspectors are gathering evidence as part of the process of conducting a preliminary examination and a decision on whether an investigation will be launched will be taken once the evidence collected has been reviewed.”

An LNER spokesman said the operator was liaising with RAIB, adding: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is our top priority. We are continuing our work to understand what has happened.”