A Florida student is being hailed a hero after saving 20 people during the Parkland school shooting by using his own body to shield them from gunfire.

Anthony Borges, a soccer player at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School just outside Miami, is being treated in hospital after his selfless act on Valentine's Day.

The 15-year-old was shot five times by alleged mass murderer Nikolas Cruz as the expelled former student, 19, went on a killing spree that claimed 17 lives.

Yesterday the sheriff of Broward County visited the brave young boy as he lay in hospital.

Yesterday the sheriff of Broward County visited the brave young boy as he lay in hospital. The sheriff's office tweeted: 'Fortunately, he is recovering, but has a long road ahead with more surgeries needed'

A fellow student and friend of Borges' (left), Carlos Rodriguez, said the bold youngster 'took the initiative just to save his other classmates'. Right: Alleged mass murderer Nikolas Cruz

The sheriff's office tweeted: 'Fortunately, he is recovering, but has a long road ahead with more surgeries needed.

'Please join us in praying for the swift recovery of Anthony and all others from #StonemanDouglas,' it added.

Sheriff Scott Israel was 'honored' to visit the boy, his office added.

His father Royer, meanwhile, said he asks only that people 'pray for him'.

Speaking to ABC News, he explained what happened after the massacre: 'He just called me and says, "Dad, somebody shot me in the back and my leg, too".'

He added: 'He's my hero.'

A fellow student and friend of Borges', Carlos Rodriguez, said the bold youngster 'took the initiative just to save his other classmates'.

Cruz admitted to carrying out the shooting rampage on Wednesday that left 17 students and staff dead

Suspected school shooter Nikolas Cruz (L) stands with assistant public defender Melisa McNeill (R) as he makes a video appearance in Broward County court before Judge Kim Theresa Mollica in Fort Lauderdal on Thursday

'None of us knew what to do,' he said.

Rodriquez added that he is alive because of Borges, who fled with other students to hide in a locked room.

He put his body between the bullets and his fellow students, allowing them to escape while taking shots to the legs and back.