SHOCKED rail passengers rushed to the aid of a four-year-old boy who fell under a train as it waited at York Railway station.

The youngster was hauled out from between the platform and the train by bystanders after falling from a footplate during yesterday's busy rush hour.

Police said he was taken to York District Hospital by ambulance for checks after knocking his jaw on the edge of the train as he fell, but his injuries, including a cut lip, were "not serious".

The boy was travelling with his mother and young sibling from Glasgow to Leeds where he was said to be going to visit relatives when the accident occurred at 5.30pm.

Sergeant Mark Seales, of British Transport Police, said the incident underlined how young and older people should always take care when using public transport.

Alan Hyde, of GNER, which manages the station, said he was glad the young boy was not seriously injured.

"We would certainly advise passengers, when boarding and disembarking trains, to be careful, particularly in wet conditions," he said.

Updated: 10:29 Friday, March 05, 2004