A large black and brown pooch was seen running across the tracks from as early at 4am on Monday morning

A Rottweiler which wandered onto the track at Manchester’s busy Victoria Station in Manchester was rescued after seven hours by a hero train conductor.

Hero: Joe Hodgkinson with the rescued pooch Credit: MEN SYNDICATION

The large black and brown pooch was seen running across the tracks from as early at 4am on Monday morning.

There were fears he may take off into the oncoming train lines - or nearby adjoining Metrolink tracks as the morning went on and became busy with commuters.

Luckily the dog seemed content just to site on the tracks at the end of Platform One and staff helped keep him in place.

Onlookers were worried the dog would run into an oncoming train Credit: MEN SYNDICATION

But after several hours train conductor - and professional dog handler - Joe Hodgkinson decided he had to step in.He lowered himself onto the track and offered the dog food and managed to attach a rope around its neck.

He was then able to walk the dog off the tracks and hand him over to the dog warden when they arrived.

Joe Hodgkinson from Bolton said:

He said he was able to tell he wouldn’t attack or bite from his many years of training with dogs.

Mr Hodgkinson continued:

In the hours he spent in the station the large dog amassed a lot of attention and many admirers.

Many said they wanted to take the dog home - as his coat was wet from its earlier run across several tracks.

Mr Hodgkinson waited for Animals Manchester to arrive to take the dog - and after checks it was confirmed he did not have an electronic tag.

A spokesperson for Northern Rail said no trains were disrupted throughout the morning.