HUNDREDS of people gathered at the funeral home in Bao'an District on Saturday to mourn for Yang Wei, a guard who sacrificed his life while attempting to keep the public safe from gang violence.

Yang, 29, a guard for a department store in Songgang Subdistrict, was on duty when he encountered two gangs fighting in front of the store Jan. 15.

Yang immediately evacuated innocent shoppers when he noticed the gangsters were brandishing weapons, and attempted to stop the fight despite risking his life.

While trying to capture some of the gang members, Yang was stabbed in the heart and died of injuries Jan. 17.

"Yang is a real hero. He knew the danger but he was fearless. I think we should pay more respect to the guards around us. They have been working hard to protect us, but we often take their efforts for granted," said Liu Lichun, a resident in Songgang.

Liu donated money to Yang's widower to assist the poor family, but she did not reveal the exact figure of her donation.

Yang, from northeastern Liao-ning Province, had been a guard in Shenzhen for eight years. During his service in Bao'an he was recognized as a model guard many times.

Editor: Yan