Dustin Hoffman rushed to the aid of a London jogger

Dustin Hoffman played a real life hero recently by springing into action to save a jogger who suffered a heart attack in London's Hyde Park.

The Rain Man actor has a home in nearby Kensington and was taking a leisurely stroll late last month when the incident unfolded.

Sam Dempster was jogging through the park when he suffered a cardiac arrest and fell to the ground.

Dustin dashed to the scene to help Sam, calling 999 to alert the emergency services, and when the paramedics showed up, the star hung around to make sure Sam was safe before leaving the scene.

Sam has since undergone surgery and is recovering - and he has thanked Dustin for all his help.

He tells The Sun: "I want to say 'Thank you' to Dustin Hoffman. He saved my life. I have no memory of what happened. The paramedics told me I had been saved by Dustin Hoffman. It's unbelievable."

One of the paramedics, named Martin, who helped save Sam's life also reveals the actor was intrigued by the work they were carrying out.

He adds: "Dustin was fascinated. He seemed impressed we'd got this guy back so quickly. When we were carrying the patient into the ambulance he walked up and said 'Great job, guys'. He really appreciated what had happened."

Maybe a role in Grey's Anatomy beckons for Dustin?