THREE men helped save the life of a young cyclist who suffered horrific injuries in a road crash.

Karl Foulkes, James Stickland and Rhys Bloy were the first on the scene at Palmeira Square in Hove after the rider went through a window of a car at a crossing.

The cyclist suffered injuries to his head and face, and the trio helped stop traffic and gave first aid to him in June last year.

For their calmness under pressure, they were awarded a Divisional Commendation by Brighton and Hove Chief Inspector Lisa Bell earlier this month.

Now they want to track down the cyclist who was injured to see how he is.

The men are Sussex Business Wardens, usually helping to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in shopping areas.

They stepped out of their security car and quickly gave first aid.

Karl said: “He was in front of us, and a car stopped in front of him but he didn’t see it. He went straight through the back windscreen, smashing the window.

“There was a lot of blood, and as he looked around, most of his nose and cheek was hanging off. We called the ambulance and stopped traffic to look after him.”

He said the boy was concerned if he would be all right for his school prom.

He is understood to have been taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Rhys said he was pleased to be presented with the award, but said: “It is what I would expect anyone else to do, to help each other out.”

James said they would like to contact the cyclist now to see how he is doing and to check he is making a good recovery.

Their award was presented by the High Sheriff of East Sussex John Moore-Bick, while Superintendent Jeff Riley read out the reasons why they received it.

Superintendent Riley said: “After witnessing a cyclist colliding with the rear of a Mercedes, Mr Stickland, Mr Foulkes, and Mr Bloy rushed to perform life-saving first aid.

“They also directed traffic and took control of the scene.

“They are to be commended for their quick thinking and bravery which no doubt contributed to the individual surviving the incident.”

Meanwhile Waterhall Nature Reserve ranger William Furze was also among those to receive an award.

He helped bring a vulnerable woman to safety after she had been missing for days.

He directed police to where she was and helped them carry her to safety.

The council said: “Knowing Will, we’re not at all surprised by this and it’s great to see him commended.”