Shopkeeper Catches Boy, 5, Falling From Balcony After Washing Line Slows Fall

This is the moment an Egyptian shop worker plucks a falling child from the air after a washing line slows the youngster's plunge from a balcony.

The dramatic rescue happened in the Ard El-Lewa neighbourhood of Giza, Egypt, on 29 September.

CCTV footage shows Ahmed Ragab standing in the street outside a shop when the child suddenly tumbles from the building above.

The youngster strikes a washing line on the way down, slowing his fall and giving Ahmed a few vital extra seconds to react.

Ahmed races across the street, positions himself beneath the falling boy and catches him in his arms just before he can hit the ground.

The five-year-old is then carried away from the building as Ahmed looks back up towards the balcony.

Footage shows the rescuer apparently shaken after the catch as he leans against a mattress lying nearby.

Ahmed said he had heard screaming before another child in the street pointed towards the youngster above.

He said: "I had no time to think or calculate the risks. All that was on my mind was to try to save this child before he hit the ground."

Ahmed, who said he did not know the boy or his family, added that he had acted instinctively and only realised what had happened once the youngster was safe.

He said he was so shaken afterwards that he "lost my nerve".

Ahmed later urged parents to keep children away from balconies and windows and not to leave chairs or other furniture nearby that youngsters could climb on.

He also warned children not to copy superheroes they see flying in films.

(Harrisons)