The family of a hero who died trying to save his brother from an oncoming underground train has paid tribute to a “perfect” husband.

Nick Mann, 35, a journalist and music writer, was killed as he tried to save his brother Robert, 32, at Old Street station amid a report he had jumped down to retrieve a wallet or a phone.

Mr Mann, who lived in Colliers Wood with his wife Jennifer Kavanagh, tried to pull his younger brother to safety but suffered severe head injuries after both were struck by a train at 12.20am on Sunday.

He later died in the Royal Free Hospital and his brother remains in a critical but stable condition in intensive care.

Nick's wife told the London Evening Standard today she was heartbroken. She said: “Nick was the perfect husband. I am beyond heartbroken.

“We met in Manchester, where he went to university, and has many friends there too.

“He was kind, gentle, funny and so considerate. He had hundreds of friends in London, which we’ve called home since 2007.

“We have been on lots of adventures together overseas and had many more planned. He was born in Leeds but grew up in Shrewsbury.

“Nick was a journalist and press officer. He was passionate about writing and was so intelligent. He loved music, especially hardcore and punk, and went to many gigs.”

The brothers had been at a football match in Portsmouth on Saturday before going to a heavy metal gig in the evening.

Nick, who spent nearly four years writing for website letsrecycle.com from 2008 to 2011, edited an influential A Short Fanzine About Rocking (ASFAR), described in the industry as one of the UK’s most influential alternative music fanzines.

Speaking to the Standard today, the journalist’s father-in-law today described him as a “lovely” lad who was full of life with a love of music and football.

Alan Kavanagh said: “He was a wonderful lad and we were all proud of him. We are all devastated and cannot believe this has happened. He had been with his brother Robert over the weekend and they had watched football together. He loved music and was a loving caring family person. We are all going to miss him so much.”

British Transport Police said: “This was a tragic accident and we are still trying to establish exactly what happened.”

Did you know Nick? Leave your comments below or email becky.middleton@london.newsquest.co.uk.