A HEROIC man risked his life' to save a dog which ran onto the railway track and became stuck near the live rail in Kew on Sunday.

Dog owner Oliver Andrew of Bushwood Road was on his way for a Sunday evening drink with his girlfriend, Laura Somers, and her father and mother.

When they approached the railway bridge near the National Archives, the cross-breed dog, Basil, started to chase something.

He then managed to find a hole in the fence by the railway line and ran onto the tracks. Basil then crossed two train lines and got stuck near the live wire.

Patrick Somers, Laura's father, who was visiting from Lincolnshire, bravely crossed the track to retrieve the RSPCA rescue dog.

Mr Andrew said: "The dog was off the lead and it was pitch black. He had to have stitches and be treated for shock. I am thankful to my girlfriend's father. He risked his life, he was willing to forego himself to make sure the dog was OK.

"If he had not done it, who knows what might have happened. We are over the moon to get him back. He is part of the family."

It is believed Basil suffered from a minor electric shock but the 12-year-old dog is now back at home safe and well.