Two emergency service heroes who risked their lives to help a little girl shot by her father are this week’s Local Heroes.

The nation was shocked to the core when seven-year-old Mary Shipstone was fatally gunned down as she walked home from school last year.

The youngster was shot in the head by her father, Yasser Alromisse.

With the gunman on the loose, Chris Matthews and Sergeant Kendal Wells were among the emergency workers called to the scene in Northiam, near Rye.

However, the fact there was a killer roaming the area did not stop the men risking their own safety to treat Mary.

They battled to stabilise the youngster and then brought her out to an ambulance before she was taken to hospital in London.

Mr Matthews said: “As I arrived I was informed that police were advising us to keep back until they were sure that the scene was safe.

“However, I wasn’t happy to wait due to the nature of the emergency. It was clear to me that this young girl was going to need our help.

“We knew that the gunman was close by in a car with blacked-out windows and might still be armed, but with the armed response unit some time away, we needed to do something.

“Her injuries were very severe. It was a difficult scene. Kendal’s help was invaluable.

“I couldn’t have done what I had to do on scene without him. He just got on with it and did everything I asked of him.”

Unfortunately Mary died from her injuries – but Mr Matthews and Mr Wells managed to ensure her mother was able to say goodbye to her.

For their courageous efforts, Mr Matthews was given an ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ award at the annual South East Coast Ambulance Service awards, while Sgt Wells was given a commendation from the trust’s chief executive.

Trust chief executive Paul Sutton said: “It is important that we recognise the achievements and dedication of staff who continue to provide an outstanding service to the public, despite the ever-changing environment that we live and work in.”