A commuter yesterday jumped onto the tracks at a London Underground station to save the life of an ill man – and we want to say thank you. Just before 5pm yesterday a 47-year-old man was standing on a north bound Northern Line platform at Tottenham Court Road underground station where he suddenly became unwell.
The hero of Tottenham Court Road can be seen running towards the workman (Picture: BTP)

Police want to trace a brave passenger who put his life in danger to jump onto live Tube tracks and pull a man to safety.

Just before 5pm on Tuesday a 47-year-old man was standing on a northbound Northern Line platform at Tottenham Court Road Underground station when he suddenly became unwell.

He stumbled on the platform and fell onto the live tracks – prompting an unknown bystander to jump onto the live rails and pull him safely back onto the platform.

The man was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital. Officers said they have since been told he received light cuts and bruises and will make a full recovery.

However, neither of them was electrocuted because they didn’t come into contact with the middle rail which is the negative rail. The positive rail is the one closest to the wall and furthest away from passengers.

Know who the Hero of Tottenham Court Road is? Contact us hey@metro.co.uk

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The workman in the high-viz jacket was unwell (Picture: BTP)
A commuter yesterday jumped onto the tracks at a London Underground station to save the life of an ill man – and we want to say thank you. Just before 5pm yesterday a 47-year-old man was standing on a north bound Northern Line platform at Tottenham Court Road underground station where he suddenly became unwell.
He jumped onto live lines to help rescue the man (Picture: BTP)
A commuter yesterday jumped onto the tracks at a London Underground station to save the life of an ill man – and we want to say thank you. Just before 5pm yesterday a 47-year-old man was standing on a north bound Northern Line platform at Tottenham Court Road underground station where he suddenly became unwell.
You can just see him pulling the unwell man back up (Picture: BTP)

Praising the work of the bystander, Superintendent Chris Horton, of British Transport Police, said: ‘Going onto the tracks is extremely dangerous but the bravery of this man has to be praised.

‘The man sprung to the rescue and hauled him back onto the platform, whilst other commuters alerted the emergency services.

‘Whilst the approaching train was immediately put on a red signal, the quick thinking of him and other passengers on the platform avoided what could have been a tragedy.

‘On behalf of everyone at British Transport Police, I’d like to commend this man for his brave actions – his quick thinking most likely saved the man’s life.’

Police want to find the rescuer and recognise him for his courage.