A man rescued from a Southfields tower block fire by a brave neighbour has died.

Brian Gallagher, 49, of Andrew Reed House, in Linstead Way, Southfields, was dragged from a blaze in his ninth-floor home by a courageous off-duty police officer in the early hours of last Friday.

Mr Gallagher, who is understood to have suffered from muscular dystrophy, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition and put on life support. However, police today confirmed he died on Tuesday, August 16.

A statement from the Andrew Reed House Residents' Association said: "We are very sorry to learn that Brian Gallagher has died. He was a member of the residents' association from the start in the 1990s and many of us were used to seeing him around or meeting him in the lift or on the bus.

"He was a character - a hospitable, friendly music lover with an ironic sense of humour who never let his disability get the better of him. He will be missed.

"We all send condolences to his brother, ex-Wandsworth Labour councillor John Gallagher, sister-in-law Jane Gallagher and all of Brian's family.

"We would like to pay tribute to the extraordinary act of bravery of the neighbour who broke down his door and got him out of the burning flat, and then carried out resuscitation, with the help of other neighbours, until the medical teams arrived.

"Their selfless actions gave Brian a chance, and although he didn't survive, he was able to die with dignity with his family by his side."

Did you know Mr Gallagher? Leave your tributes below, call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6344 or email jtrueman@london.newsquest..co.uk.