A WOMAN was dragged 40 yards along a platform by her dog lead when the train doors closed as she and her pet were boarding.

Jean Mason was jerked off her feet when the Metro train left the Gateshead Stadium station as she frantically tried to pull the lead from her hand.

Her dog, Ben, a Jack Russell, was pinned by the lead against the inside of the door of the moving carriage.

With seconds to spare before the train reached the end of the platform, Mrs Mason managed to get her hand free.

Three teenagers got off at the next stop to carry Ben back to her.

The mother-of-one, from Gateshead, said: "I thought I was a goner. I was yards away from being pulled off the platform and under the wheels of the train. It was a very frightening experience."

She said she allowed Ben to board the train first, and then the doors closed before she could step in.

"I was pulled off my feet, and, as I was dragged along the platform, I could see Ben through the glass in the door, strung up against the inside of the door by his lead.

"When I freed myself I just lay on the platform. I was too stunned and there was no one about to help me."

Jean was treated at Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital for severe bruising.

A spokesman for Metro operators Nexus said: "The incident is being investigated by the customer services supervisor, who will be speaking to the train driver and the lady involved."