Brave man shot dead after saving hostage from gunman
A brave man has been shot dead after saving the life of a woman who was being held hostage by a gunman in Brazil.
The man, who was believed to be homeless, was killed on the steps of Sao Paulo Cathedral around 2pm on Friday.
Video which was broadcast on live TV captured the moment the heroic man, identified at as 61-year-old Francisco Erasmo Rodrigues de Lima, rushed up to gunman Luiz Antonio da Silva and tackled him to the ground.
While the terrified woman managed to run to safety, Francisco was reportedly shot at point blank range just seconds later.
Police reacted by shooting the gunman to death with a hail of bullets as bystanders watched on.
An investigation is now underway to rule out the possibility that Francisco, was killed by a stray police bullet.
Local media have reported that the gunman spent about 20 minutes praying inside the cathedral with his unnamed victim before dragging her out onto the steps of the church, where he held her hostage for over an hour.
The horrific incident was reportedly sparked by a botched attempt to rob the woman.
Police explained in a statement: "An armed criminal targeted a victim and announced a hold-up."
"A passer-by saw what was happening and on intervening, was injured by shots fired by the criminal. The passer-by died at the scene.
"The victim, who was also injured, was helped by local police at the scene where she received medical attention."
Police also confirmed the gunman died at the scene.
The gunman had only recently finished a 22-year prison sentence for crimes including robbery, drug trafficking, theft and assault.
