Train driver praised for Hampshire dog rescue on platform

Jack Garrett, from Twyford, was getting off the 1.54pm service from Shawford to Southampton Airport Parkway to visit his children when his dog, Lexi, slipped into the gap.

The black Labrador cross ridgeback was left dangling between the train and platform, clinging on with her front paws.

Jack said: "I was stunned and in shock. She was hanging on by her lead and collar."

Describing the harrowing incident on May 19, Jack said he had Lexi's lead in one hand and a bike in the other, and he froze.

Lexi managed to grip the platform edge with her front paws, supported only by her own strength and the lead around her neck, which was slowly slipping.

Jack Garrett with his dog Lexi (Image: Jack Garrett)

Jack added: " I was just in complete shock.

"The only thing holding her up was me on the lead and her paws on the platform.

"I was just watching as the lead was pulling away from her neck, then from absolutely nowhere, the driver came in and pulled her to safety.

"The train driver sprinted and dived to save her and was able to pull her to safety.

"If he wasn't there and he hadn't got her, she would have been a goner, there's no doubt about it. Absolute godsend that he was there."

Mr Garrett added that the driver's name was Ben, though he was unable to get a surname, and he has already reached out to South Western Railway to express his gratitude.

Jack said: "I was so grateful and proud of him for saving our family pet.

"He was a hero today."

Lexi is 11 years old, and Jack Garrett raised her from a puppy, adding that his five children would have been "absolutely devastated" had she fallen through the gap.

Jack takes this train every week and said he hadn't considered how dangerous it could be, adding that he will be taking extra care disembarking with Lexi.