Hero worker saves dog stuck on train tracks with incredibly quick-thinking

A train worker has been labelled a hero after he saved a dog that was stuck on train tracks earlier this week - and very rightfully so.

Ticket gateline assistant Paul Hawthorn, 56, had to think fast during his usual shift on Monday morning (17 October) at Leagrave Station in Luton when a dog managed to make its way onto the live train tracks.

Take a look at the heroics unfold:

Paul, who is believed to work for Thameslink Railway, acted fast to save the pup from a horrific death with the little assistance from a croissant.

One of the spectators captured the moment and posted it to TikTok, which has since gone viral and has resulted in Paul being praised by many, with it currently sitting at over 5 million views.

It was around 7am on Monday morning when the ticket gateline assistant was made aware that a Staffordshire bull terrier was running around on platform one.

Paul quickly went down to the platform and got hold of the pup, but it managed to get away.

tiktok/@getinthebarth

Speaking to Newsweek following the incident, he said: "Then my worst fear was realised as it jumped down on the tracks. I was thinking 'What should I do?' and then my training kicked in.

"I rang the signalman to caution the trains, getting them to slow down ready to stop if necessary.

"I'm not allowed to go down on the track but the guy from the coffee kiosk on the platform there had some croissant and enticed the dog over to the platform edge.

"It couldn't jump back up but as it put its paws up to get the croissant, I managed to grab it and haul it up on to the platform."

Paul then admitted that he couldn't let go of the pup as it would likely wriggle free again, so he held on and waited for two people to assist them to get back onto the platform.

In the safety on the staffroom, Paul posted a picture of the dog on social media in an attempt to get it back with its owners.

And just two hours later, the dog's worried parents arrived at the station to pick up their pet and explained the dog had gone missing.

Paul continued: "The lady was crying; she was so grateful. Apparently, a garage door had been left open and the dog had escaped.

TikTok/@getinthebarth

"It was quite traumatic at the time. I don't own a dog but we help people out by dog sitting and I just felt sorry for the dog - I thought oh my God, it's going to get run over by a train.

"It worked out all right in the end - it was a relief."

Animal lovers have called Paul a hero in the comments to the TikTok video.

One said: "You absolutely hero! Thank you," as a second added: "Lucky doggo, amazing man."