The search is on to find a hero commuter who jumped on tracks to save a young woman who after she fell from the platform at Rochester Station - seconds before a train arrived.

Trainee chartered accountant Sarah Williams fainted and keeled over onto the line as she waited to catch the 7.10am to Cannon Street.

It was then the unknown passenger leapt to her rescue as other commuters on the packed platform frantically shouted and waved to the driver to make an emergency stop.

Now her family have issued an appeal to trace the man who risked his own life to drag her to safety as the train ground to a halt just feet away.

The 25-year-old Strood resident suffered horrific injuries in the fall last Wednesday, including a broken arm, smashed teeth and serious swelling and bruising to her face.

Railway staff comforted her before she was treated by paramedics and taken to A&E at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Recovering at her Woodstock Road home, Sarah said: “I don’t remember much. I saw the train coming round the corner and got off a bench and walked on to the platform. I felt a bit dizzy and that’s it.

“I was unconscious and then I heard somebody shouting to get up because there was a train coming.

“I remember seeing it. It has made me really anxious about getting on a train again.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who helped including staff who kept calm and the ambulance crew.

“Everyone has been amazing.”

"I was unconscious and then I heard somebody shouting to get up because there was a train coming. I remember seeing it. It has made me really anxious about getting on a train again" - Sarah Williams

Her grandfather John Francis, 79, said: “All we want to do, from the bottom of our hearts, is to say thank you for saving Sarah’s life.”

Grandmother Jean Francis, also 79, has sent a card to staff and bystanders who all played a part in the rush-hour drama.

Sarah is being looked after at the home she shares with partner, Lewis Pugsley, with grandparents and mother Cheryl, who live nearby, also lending support.

IT worker Lewis, 26, has taken time off to look after her while she is getting dental treatment and seeing hospital orthopaedic consultants to repair her shattered elbow.

He said: “It’s a joint effort. Everyone has rallied round and we would just like to say thank you.”

Helen Parker, who was the duty supervisor at the station, said: “Suddenly passengers were shouting there’s somebody on the line and they managed to attract the driver’s attention.

“I ran towards the signal box but I don’t think I would have made it in time.

“We wrapped her up and sat her on the bench. Her face was badly swollen and she was very shaken.

“Lots of people have been asking after her.”

Her colleague Adam Bristow, who was also on platform one at the time, said: “It was very close. The driver got out of his cab on to the platform.”

Do you know the man who helped Sarah? Call the newsroom on 01634 227803 or email medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk