Parents praise courage of comrades after paratrooper died in rescue bid

Elaine and Simon Bell, whose son Private Martin Bell became the UK's 350th military fatality in the conflict, said it was "lovely" he was being hailed a hero but all his unit would have done the same.

Surrounded by flowers from well-wishers at their home in Bradford, Mrs Bell said: "He certainly wouldn't have been thinking of himself.

"I know they're saying Martin was a hero but to Simon and I they were all heroes and they are all heroes.

"I'm quite sure that, if the tables had been turned, his mates would have done exactly the same for Martin, because that's what they do."

Pte Bell, 24, who is also survived by two brothers, was moving to help an injured comrade when he was fatally wounded by the blast from an improvised explosive device to the south of Nahr-e-Seraj in Helmand province on Tuesday.

He joined the Army after working for West Yorkshire Police as a police community support officer in Haworth, Oakworth and Keighley.

Chief Inspector Mark Allsop, who was Pte Bell's inspector, said he was well respected and popular team member who had a "cheeky grin" and was always willing to help others.

Mr Allsop said: "He was particularly brave, yet compassionate and it was no surprise when he informed me of his desire to join the Army and his elation when he was accepted.

"It is tragic that a young man has lost his life but not surprising that Martin gave his life selflessly trying to help a colleague."