File photo of William Fearn. Photo: West Midlands Police/PA WireFile photo of William Fearn. Photo: West Midlands Police/PA Wire

UK police have appealed for help to hunt down burglars who targeted the home of a 97-year-old war veteran while he was in hospital.

William Fearn and his family are said to be distraught after his service medals were taken from his home in Hodge Hill, Birmingham, between Thursday last week and Tuesday.

Fearn served in North Africa during World War II and was also deployed to Malta, where he and his comrades spent two years defending the island against Axis forces.

Fearn was decorated with the Africa Star, the Defence Medal, the 1939-1945 Star, and the 1945 War Medal.

PC Lee Parry, of West Midlands Police, said: “The medals are priceless to Fearn and his family – but to anyone trying to sell them they are only worth a few pounds.

“Fearn and his family are obviously distraught after losing the cherished medals and we are appealing to anyone who may have been offered the medals or know of someone who has recently acquired medals to call me or one of the team.

“Officers continue to make inquiries including checking CCTV, speaking to residents and to local stores and second-hand dealers.

“We need to support and protect our veterans and believe that someone out there will have information that could help solve this crime.”

 

 

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