A dog was found dead in a tunnel after his lead was caught in a train door and he was dragged along the platform.

Rosalee Barry was boarding a Thameslink train at Elstree & Borehamwood station on Friday afternoon when tragedy struck.

Her dog Jonty got caught between the train doors and the platform by his lead, and as the train moved off from the station, the little Shih Tzu was pulled along with it.

Ms Barry, who was still on the platform wrote on Facebook that she watched on “helplessly” as she saw Jonty get further away and despite looking around and screaming for help, no one did.

Jonty’s body was found later that evening in the tunnel.

Borehamwood Times:

Ms Barry shared this heartbreaking appeal on her Facebook page 

Writing on Facebook, Ms Barry, who is from Borehamwood, paid tribute to Jonty.

She said: “Jonty was a lovely gentle creature who wouldn’t hurt a fly. In face he ran away from them. I will miss him terribly. Closing my eyes makes it easier to remember the tragic scene, but also the happy times. He was one of a kind. A loving and so friendly little heart. RIP my Jonty.”

Dozens of people got in touch, at first to help find Jonty.

When news emerged that he had died they paid their condolences.

Ms Barry has thanked everyone for their “kind thoughts and support”.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is aware of the incident.

A Thameslink spokesman said: “We are very sorry for the distress caused to Ms Barry by this deeply upsetting incident. We launched an immediate investigation and have informed the Rail Accident Investigation Branch."

A Rail Accident Investigation Branch spokesman added: “An incident involving a dog was reported to us on Friday afternoon. We are gathering evidence to understand the circumstances and determine whether to investigate further.”