Police want to trace a brave passenger who put his life in danger to jump on to tube tracks and pull a man to safety.

Just before 5pm on Tuesday a 47-year-old man was standing on a northbound Northern line platform at Tottenham Court Road underground station when he suddenly became unwell.

He stumbled on the platform and fell on to the tracks – prompting a bystander to jump on to the rails and pull him safely back on to the platform. The man was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital. Officers said they have since been told he sustained light cuts and bruises and would make a full recovery.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Police want to find the rescuer and recognise him for his courage. Photograph: British transport police/PA

Praising the work of the bystander, Supt Chris Horton of British transport police said: “Going on to the tracks is extremely dangerous but the bravery of this man has to be praised. The man sprung to the rescue and hauled him back on to the platform, while other commuters alerted the emergency services.

“While the approaching train was immediately put on a red signal, the quick thinking of him and other passengers on the platform avoided what could have been a tragedy. On behalf of everyone at British transport police, I’d like to commend this man for his brave actions – his quick thinking most likely saved the man’s life.”

Police want to find the rescuer and recognise him for his courage.