A DEVASTATED war veteran has been reunited with his stolen RAF beret just hours after it was stolen during a 1940's-themed tribute to armed forces day at a pub.

In the early evening of Sunday, June 5, officers were called to a pub in Brighouse after reports that an elderly man had been the victim of a theft whereby his RAF veteran’s beret had been stolen.

The pub had been celebrating Armed Forces Day – with a 1940s-themed day in tribute to the armed forces.

The victim, who served in the 208th RAF Squadron, and has served in Egypt, Cyprus and Malta had been awarded several medals for his service, was left devastated that his RAF beret had been stolen.

Officers conducted enquiries, with assistance from those at the pub, and within an hour had identified the suspect.

The suspect, a male in his 60s, was subsequently arrested and following a house search, officers located the stolen beret. Later that evening, officers were able to re-united the stolen beret with the veteran.

Sergeant Joshua Allgood, of Halifax NPT, said: “I am so glad that with the help of the community, we were able to reunite a hero with his beloved military beret.

"We owe a debt to veterans, and crimes against them will simply not be tolerated”.