An off-duty soldier who gave life-saving first aid to a stabbing victim in Ipswich town centre has been commended for his public spirited actions.

Corporal Joe Lovell, of 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment, was outside the Best Kebab shop in Dogs Head Street, Ipswich, in the early hours of April 7 this year when he came across a young man who had been stabbed three times and was suffering massive blood loss.

The stabbing victim, Joshua Hurd, had wounds to his face and neck and Corporal Lovell immediately intervened to help.

This morning, Corporal Lovell was presented with a certificate of commendation by the High Sheriff of Suffolk, Geoffrey Probert, after his public spiritedness was recognised by Judge Rupert Overbury who presided over the trial of a man accused of being responsible for the attack.

In addition to a certificate of commendation Corporal Lovell was awarded £300 from public funds.

The commendation stated: “Having earned a well earned night out, he was suddenly confronted with a tense, chaotic, panic stricken situation.

“A young man, Joshua Hurd, had been stabbed three times with a knife to his face and neck and was suffering massive blood loss as a result.

“Corporal Lovell intervened to help immediately and there is no doubt that the discipline and training from his service in the Armed Forces served him well. Within seconds of the stabbing he took charge and did everything possible to treat Joshua Hurd’s severe injuries by maintaining pressure on the wounds.

“He managed, at the same time, not only to subdue Joshua Hurd, who was understandably in a state of extreme shock, but also organise others present to supply him with towels and napkins, to stem the copious blood loss. He maintained this assistance until the police and paramedics arrived.

“It is clear that without Corporal Lovell’s quick thinking and decisive actions, the outcome could have been much worse for Joshua Hurd, if not fatal.

“In a world where many would turn away from intervening in such a situation, particularly where someone is bleeding, those like Corporal Lovell who demonstrate courage, resourcefulness and community spirit should be recognised and applauded, not only by the court’s appreciation of his actions, but also rewarded by the community he so ably served.”