Man hailed a hero for climbing a building to save a toddler's life

A Malian immigrant living in Paris is being hailed as a hero for saving a French toddler. 

The heart-stopping moment was captured by passers-by and shows a toddler clinging to the ledge.

The 22-year-old, Mamoudou Gassama saved the tiny tot by scaling a four-storey building with his bare hands.

The incident took place in the north of the city on Sunday.

The Mayor of Paris, Anna Hidalgo praised the man for his efforts.

The Mayor has announced that they will support Gassama's desire to settle in the city. 

Taking to Twitter, Ms Hidalgo said she spoke with the 22-year-old on the phone to thank him and added: 

“Congratulations to Mamoudou Gassama for his act of bravery that saved the life of a child.”

Mr Gassama had recently relocated from Mali to France.

He informed the Mayor that he 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,” Ms Hidalgo said.

The 22-year-old will be meeting French president, Emmanuel Macron this morning.

He will meet President Macron at the Elysee presidential palace, according to an official at Macron’s office.

Mr Gassama has been dubbed a real-life spiderman for his actions.

Christophe Castaner, a French minister and former government spokesman expressed his admiration for the young man.

On Twitter, Mr Castaner said the courage of stepping forward to save a life without giving any thought for his own was admirable.

According to Le Parisien newspaper, Mr Gassama was walking by when he saw a gathering in front of the building and he sprung into action. 

“I did it because it was a child,” he told the newspaper

 “I climbed… Thank God I saved him,” he said during an interview with BFM Paris.