Bradford paratrooper died as he went to help wounded comrade

His superiors described Private Martin Bell, 24, as a hero whose selfless act cost him his life.

His family said his death would "leave behind a hole in all of our hearts that will never be replaced".

Pte Bell, from 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, was fatally wounded by the blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) to the south of Nahr-e-Saraj in Helmand province yesterday.

He was struck at 8.25am as he moved to help a comrade injured by a separate device.

Pte Bell, who was a Police Community Supporter Officer in West Yorkshire for three years before joining the Army in 2009, leaves behind his parents Simon and Elaine and his brothers Oliver and Philip.

The family said in a statement: "Martin was proud to be in the Parachute Regiment and serving his country.

"He has made lots of friends easily at each point of his life's journey.

"Martin was extremely close to his two brothers, Oliver and Philip.

"He had a wicked and infectious sense of humour that would have served him well in difficult times.

"Martin was a well-loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and brother.

"He made us all very proud and he will leave behind a hole in all of our hearts that will never be replaced.

"He was our best friend too. We are a very close-knit family and although we are grieving for his loss, we hope that all the other soldiers keep safe."

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Harrison, Commanding Officer, 2 Para, said Pte Bell died "going to the assistance of a critically injured friend in the most dangerous combat circumstances imaginable".

He said: "He knew the risks all too well; twice in the minutes before his death he had witnessed at first-hand the devastating human impact of IEDs.

"The term 'hero' is overused in contemporary commentary; take a moment to reflect on the image of Martin Bell, a 24-year-old paratrooper who disobeyed a direct order in order to render life-saving first aid to his colleague.

"For that exceptional valour he paid the ultimate price."

Regimental Sergeant Major Alan Armstrong said: "Private Bell died as he went to the assistance of one of his fellow paratroopers who had suffered a serious injury.

"He disregarded the immediate danger which surrounded him in order to give urgent first aid to his wounded comrade. This selfless act cost him his life.

"This outstanding act of bravery was typical of Private Bell."

Other colleagues said he was a key member of his platoon who would often put himself in harm's way for the sake of his friends.

He was described as a "legend", an "awesome bloke" and a "soldier of the highest calibre".

The soldier was said to be a "rising star".

Lieutenant Leun Wetherall, 8 Platoon Commander, C Company, said: "Private Martin Bell was a giant among men. A true airborne warrior.

"With his sharp sense of humour and unwavering professionalism, he left his stamp on everything."

Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "Private Martin Bell was killed whilst providing security to the local population, and ultimately protecting our national security.

"It is clear by his actions and from the high praise of his colleagues in 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment that he was an immensely brave, selfless and highly professional soldier.

"My deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and those who served with him."

Of the 350 British military fatalities since operations began in 2001, 309 were killed as a result of hostile action.

A further 41 are known to have died either as a result of illness, non-combat injuries or accidents, or have not yet officially been assigned a cause of death pending the outcome of an investigation.

British commanders insist the handover of security to Afghan forces remains on course for 2014.

But fatalities continue to mount and on a visit to the country earlier this month Dr Fox said the task of the armed forces was likely to remain as tough this year as last.

IEDs have emerged as the greatest threat.