Quick-thinking train staff saved the life of a man found sitting on the track in Wolverhampton today.

The driver of the 04.47 Stafford to Euston service managed to stop the 125mph locomotive before it ploughed into him.

Staff persuaded the “distressed” man to get off the main line and onto the Virgin Pendolino train near Wolverhampton Science Park at Dunstall Hill.

They took him the short journey to Wolverhampton Railway Station where he was handed over to British Transport Police and detained under the Metal Health Act. Sgt Alan Taylor from British Transport Police praised the driver: “His actions probably saved the life of the man.”

It is unclear how the man got onto the bridge near Stafford Road. The train was delayed for half an hour but no other service was affected.