DETECTIVES are investigating the death of a hero of the Bradford City fire disaster.

David Hustler, 76, who had been living at a residential care home, died in hospital at the end of October following a short "unexpected" illness.

Police are now carrying out an investigation into the circumstances leading up to his death, after concerns were raised by his family.

Detectives are interviewing staff at the care home, Kirklees Council-owned Meadow Green, in Dale Lane, Heckmondwike, and medical experts to establish whether there is a link between the care he received at the home and his death.

No-one has been arrested.

Mr Hustler, who was suffering from vascular dementia and Alzheimer's, was awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal after rescuing two people during the Valley Parade disaster, on May 11, 1985.

After saving Kathleen Kelly, Mr Hustler bravely ran back into the blazing stand to rescue teenager Matthew Wildman, who was on fire, putting his arms round him to put out the flames, and later helping to take him out of the stand.

Mr Hustler suffered burns himself during his courageous rescues. His story was featured in the Valley Parade fire documentary, 'One Day In May.'

Mr Hustler, a grandfather, who was formerly of Shipley, died at Dewsbury and District Hospital, on Wednesday, October 28.

Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police, is leading the investigation into Mr Hustler's death.

Det Supt Atkinson said: "It is an ongoing investigation that has been prompted by concerns raised by his family, at the time of his death, regarding the care he had been receiving at the place where he had been living."

He said a post-mortem examination had taken place but police were carrying out further inquiries into the cause of Mr Hustler's death.

Det Supt Atkinson added: "We are trying to establish if there is a link between Mr Hustler's death and the care he was receiving. Our inquiries are ongoing."

He described the investigation as "complex and delicate".

Detectives are interviewing members of staff at Meadow Green, where Mr Hustler had lived since January 2014, and speaking to medical experts, and people close to his family.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “Our thoughts are with Mr Hustler’s family at this sad time.

"A full safeguarding inquiry is under way, and we are also fully co-operating with a concurrent police inquiry.”

Mr Hustler's funeral will take place on Friday at Nab Wood Crematorium, Shipley, and will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, as well as Matthew Wildman, now 48.

Mr Hustler's son, Simon, said: "My dad was 76-years-old when he was unexpectedly taken from us, however, due to a current police investigation into his death, I cannot say more at the moment."

Simon Hustler said it was a proud moment for the Lord Mayor to be attending his father's funeral, and he would have approved of the wake being held at Bradford City's 2013 suite.

He added: "His experience of the Bradford City Fire probably helped him to appreciate life so much more, and he was a generous, fun loving person who was well liked by everyone whose lives he touched."

Mr Hustler, a lifelong supporter of Bradford City, helped to raise funds for the Burns Research Unit; was a regular volunteer with special needs group The Wednesday Leisure Club; a volunteer carer and coach for the GB Special Olympic ten pin bowling team; and was honorary chairman of Great Horton Church Cricket Club.