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DOG lover Andy Murray turned hero yesterday when he dashed into traffic to collar a runaway pet.

 

Andy Murray with his border terrier called 'Maggie', named after Rod Stewart's big-hit Maggie May [PA]

The Wimbledon champion, who starts the defence of his title today, spotted the stray while driving himself to the final practice session at SW19.

Andy, 27, leaped into action as he drove from the £5million mansion he shares with girlfriend Kim Sears in Oxshott, Surrey, to meet new coach Amelie Mauresmo.

He pulled up at traffic lights and halted vehicles before grabbing the runaway.

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Andy then bundled the dog into the back of his car before calling its owner using a number engraved on its collar tag. He was amazed to learn the owner walks it regularly along with Kim, 26, and the couple's Border Terriers Maggie May and Rusty.

Andy said: "There was a dog running along the road so I parked at traffic lights and got out and tried to stop the traffic, because the dog was running towards the oncoming cars.

"I stopped the traffic and managed to get the dog on the back seat of my car.

"I drove to the place nearby where all the local people walk their pets, literally round the corner, and parked. I called the number on the tag ­ and, amazingly. my two dogs walk with that dog quite a lot."

It was drooling everywhere in the car, panting, but thankfully it was safe

Andy Murray

He added: "When I met the owner she said "We know your dogs". 

"She was happy I had picked it up. It had obviously been chasing something because it was absolutely shattered. 

"It was drooling everywhere in the car, panting, but thankfully it was safe."

The Scot, who begins his defence on Centre Court today, emerged unscathed from the incident.

Andy said he had not risked injury to save the dog, but said it did put up a struggle.

He added: "The dog was pretty strong, 

"I don't think it really wanted me to grab it by the collar and put it in the car but thankfully it was fine."