Andrej Lazarov dead aged 25: Tributes pour in for hero footballer as he died trying to save others during nightclub fire

A FOOTBALLER tragically died aged 25 trying to save others in a nightclub fire.

At least 59 people were killed and more than 155 injured after the blaze broke out at the Pulse club in Kocani, North Macedonia.

The fire started at approximately 2.35am local time on Sunday when pyrotechnics set light to the roof of the venue.

A local hip-hop group were performing for the 1,500 partygoers at the time as flames burned.

And it has now been revealed one of those who sadly died was FC Skopje star Andrej Lazarov.

"Heroic" Lazarov - who joined the club in September - is understood to have suffered smoke poisoning as he desperately tried to help save others.

In a harrowing statement, Macedonian second-tier side FC Skopje said: "Although we previously had information from his family that he is fine, with deep pain and great sadness, we announce that our footballer, Andrej Lazarov, has been confirmed among the victims of the tragic fire that occurred overnight in Kocani.

"As a heroic soul, Lazarov lost his life trying to help others escape from the burning environment.

"He was poisoned by smoke during his efforts to save lives, showing courage and humanity until the very end.

"His heroic act will always remain in our memory, as a testament to his noble character and big heart.

"This is a great loss for our club, for our teammates and for the entire football community.

"Words are insufficient to describe the pain we feel in these moments, in this tragedy of the greatest in history that has befallen our club.

"FC Skopje expresses its most sincere condolences to his family, relatives and the entire large family of our club.

"Andrej was only part of Skopje for six months, but his name will always remain indelible as part of our team.

"The memory of him will always remain unforgettable in our hearts."

Tributes poured in online for the central midfielder.

One said: "Rest in Peace, Andrej Lazarov."

Another wrote: "Shaken by the news from North Macedonia, we would like to express our condolences and deep regret for the lives that were tragically lost in yesterday's fire."

A third added: "Hero."

And a final user commented: "True heroes are made of courage."