SOUTHAMPTON firefighters have been commended by a judge for saving the life of a man who was bleeding to death after being stabbed in the heart during a doorstep disturbance at an inner-city house.

The crew battled to save Simon Reeves, also known as Billy, who was slipping in and out of consciousness outside their station.

People rushing Mr Reeves to hospital in a Mercedes car following the drama in North-umberland Road feared they would not get there in time because his condition was deteriorating quickly.

So they made a detour to St Mary's Fire Station where Red Watch was on duty.

The firemen skilfully performed cardiac massage for a crucial five-minute period before an ambulance arrived on the scene in St Mary's Road.

Judge Christopher Leigh QC said if it was not for the intervention of five firefighters - Gerry Cox, Stuart Vince, Richard Sawdon, Graham Binning and Graham Perraton - Mr Reeves would have died.

"They put their training into operation with such speed and efficiency, which effectively saved a man's life, and they deserve the highest commendation," he said.

Medics did not even have time to take Mr Reeves to theatre at Southampton General Hospital and he received urgent treatment in a resuscitation unit before undergoing surgery.

Five men were arrested in connection with the fracas which happened in September of last year, and all were charged with violent disorder.

At a trial at the city crown court in July, two men were convicted for their roles.

John Young, 36, of Riverdene Place, Bitterne, received three years, and David White, 23, of Roewood Close, Holbury, was jailed for two years. Two brothers were acquitted.

Last Friday, Mr Reeves, 29, from Rossiters Lane, Bartley, in the New Forest, had the case against him dropped.

The court heard he had suffered two strokes since the stabbing which had also affected his mental health.

Michael Butt, prosecuting, said it was clear it would be a long time before he could be brought to trial and the Crown also had to consider the large number of witnesses.