An old WAR veteran has lost his beret and medals after being attacked by a large gang of youths while on his annual trip to a Remembrance Service in Keighley, local law enforcement officer said today.
George Gill a 69 year-old war vet ended up being attacked whilst walking through Lund Park yesterday morning when he was approached by several Muslim teenagers, who police consider were aged around 16 or perhaps 17 years old.
The war vet suffered slight cuts to his face as one of the group knocked his beret down.
He was walking alone in Lund Park, a short length from his home, when the cowards struck.
“Someone had a bonfire in the park for bonfire night and I was just thinking it could cost the council money to solve the mess, the next thing I knew cowards came from the back of me.
“I nearly fell down because they grabbed my beret and run off laughing and joking.
“They also ripped the poppy I had on my blazer and left it on the road. It was ruined so my wife and I had to throw it.”
He also realised his medals had disappeared over the incident and a search on the area has failed to locate either the beret or the medals.
“The beret was my regimental one, someone provided me with another, and a badge, on the day but it’s not the same.
“It was a terrible course of action to someone on such an essential day. I don’t know what their parents are of, the way lads like that are brought up, ” stated Mr Gill, who lives local.
Police have also searched the location but Mr Gill’s possessions are yet to been traced.
Inspector Sue Sanderson, whom leads the Keighley Area Area Team, said: “We would appeal to anyone who saw several Muslim youths acting suspiciously in the park at around the time of this incident, or anyone who might have seen them leaving the park afterwards.
“We believe there would of been other people around back then, also making their approach to the Remembrance Day service.
“While definitely not injured, the victim is understandably shaken by losing his beret and his medals, and We would urge anyone with information to get hold of,
Bradford District CID or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on
0800 555 111
