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Daring man scales building to rescue dangling child

A brave bystander has been hailed a hero after he leapt into action and came to the rescue of a young boy hanging from a building’s balcony.

Heart-stopping footage shows Mamoudou Gassama quickly climbing the four story building in Paris’ north to reach the child, cheered on by terrified onlookers.

He dangerously pulls himself up several balconies as a man standing on a neighbouring balcony tries to reach the boy.

Mr Gassama pulled himself up to the child balcony by balcony. Source: Facebook/ Habib Bibou
Mr Gassama pulled himself up to the child balcony by balcony. Source: Facebook/ Habib Bibou

Mr Gassama, 22, managed to reach the fourth floor and grab the boy before pulling him to safety at the building in the city’s 18th arrondissement.

The clip has since gone viral on social media, with people calling the 22-year-old a real-life spider man.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Sunday praised the heroism of the Malian immigrant, saying the city will support his effort to settle in France.

“Congratulations to Mamoudou Gassama for his act of bravery that saved the life of a child,” Hidalgo said on her official Twitter account, adding that she spoke with him by phone to thank him.

Ms Gassama eventually reaches the boy, pulling him safety in front of stunned bystanders. Source: Facebook/ Habib Bibou
Ms Gassama eventually reaches the boy, pulling him safety in front of stunned bystanders. Source: Facebook/ Habib Bibou

Hidalgo said Gassama told her that he arrived from Mali a few months ago and wished to stay in France.

“I replied that his heroic gesture was an example for all citizens and that the City of Paris will obviously be keen to support him in his efforts to settle in France,” Hidalgo said.

French minister and former government spokesman Christophe Castaner also took to Twitter to say how admirable it was that Gassama stepped forward to save a life without giving any thought for his own.

Le Parisien newspaper reported that Gassama was walking by when he saw a gathering in front of the building and leapt into action.

“I did it because it was a child,” the paper quoted him saying. “I climbed… Thank God I saved him.”