War veteran, 97, has medals stolen while in hospital

Willian Fearn, 97, has had his war medals stolen whilst in hospital Credit: West Midlands Police

Police are hunting the "cruel" thieves who stole the medals of a 97-year-old war veteran while he was in hospital.

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

Mr Fearn received the Africa Star, the Defence Medal, the 1939-1945 Star, and the 1945 War Medal for his services during the Second World War.

He was sent to North Africa in 1940 before being deployed to Malta where he and his comrades spent two years defending the island against the Axis forces.

The stolen medals. Credit: West Midlands Police

Pc Lee Parry, of West Midlands Police, urged anyone who had been offered the medals to contact police.

  • Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101