Aid worker who rescued child from IS sniper fire says love inspired him

An aid worker who saved a young girl whilst under heavy fire from so-called Islamic State fighters has said that love inspired him.

David Eubank, a humanitarian assistant in the besieged Iraqi city Mosul, has worked on the frontline of fighting between government and IS forces for months.

But the rescue of one little girl found hiding under the hijab of her dead mother has gone viral.

Stranded behind a dilapidated building with a number of bodies strewn around her, the child was saved by Mr Eubank who dashed towards her while under heavy fire from IS snipers.

Since footage of the moment he saved her life emerged, Mr Eubank has admitted he can't re-watch the video without crying.

"I see what turns out to be 70 dead bodies - women, children, guys in wheelchairs," he said of the moment.

"And then a little girl, sitting next to her dead mother, hiding under her black hijab."

Mr Eubank was given covering fire by his colleagues as he ran to save the girl, desperately trying to avoid being hit by IS bullets.

"It makes me want to cry every time I see the picture because I think 'she made it,'" he said.

Mr Eubank explained that a verse from the Bible - "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" - inspired his actions.

The girl's family are presumed dead, but an Iraqi general now plans to adopt her.

Mr Eubank founded the humanitarian group Free Burma Rangers after more than 10 years working with US special forces.

His wife and three children frequently join him on trips to war-torn areas to help with humanitarian efforts.

The family plan to travel back to Iraq soon.