Hero bystander rescues toddler who fell onto track at Newark Northgate railway station 22 seconds before train passes

This is the heart-stopping moment a toddler was saved by a hero commuter after falling onto a railway line - seconds before a high-speed train thundered past.

CCTV footage captured the dramatic near-miss at Newark Northgate railway station last month.

The 36-second clip shows the three-year-old boy walking behind two adults before running to the edge of the platform.

He appears to lower himself over the edge before tumbling backwards onto the track.

A man who was with the child is seen sprinting across the platform while a hero bystander leaps onto the line and lifts the boy to safety.

Just 22 seconds later a train speeds through the station without stopping.

Station customer services assistant Olivia Timms, who saw the incident, said: "I think the fact a train came through the station at speed just seconds after emphasised just how awful the outcome could have been.

"Thankfully, everyone made it home safely that day and we want to make sure that happens every day."

The footage was released by London North Eastern Railway (LNER) as part of Rail Safety Week.

Warrick Dent, safety and operations director at LNER, added: "Thankfully incidents like the one captured on the CCTV are rare, but they do happen.

"We know that travelling with children can be challenging. Navigating buggies and luggage through a busy station can be stressful.

"So, we want to make sure parents and carers are aware of the services we have available which can make their journey with us smoother and safer."

Already this year, eight safety incidents involving children have been recorded at LNER stations.