THE son of a former serviceman has hit out at thieves who have stolen the Union Flags he flies in respect for the Armed Forces. Steve Shields, 52, wants his flag returned so he can fly it again in time for Remembrance Sunday next weekend.

Mr Shields, lives in Headley Way, Headington, where corteges slow when troops killed in Afghanistan are repatriated.

Since June 2008, retired servicemen and members of the public have lined Headley Way as the corteges arrive at the John Radcliffe Hospital, where post mortem examinations take place.

Father-of-one Mr Shields pinned a Union Flag to the front of his house to pay his respects to the fallen.

But during the early hours of Friday, two men pulled the flag down and ran off.

It is the third time a flag has been stolen from the front of his home. Mr Shields said: “Living in Headley Way, I can’t miss the repatriations.

“I have gone along to pay my respects, and talked to the old soldiers beforehand about their stories.

“My father Patrick Shields, who died two years ago aged 75, was in the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry and I have so much respect for the work our troops have done over the years. Without them we might not be here.

“I’m furious that my flag has been stolen and I would like these thieves to return it so that I can put it back in time for Remembrance Day.

“It’s not the first time this has happened and I think it’s disrespectful to the troops.

“Perhaps these thieves could consider joining up instead of being so mindless. They are complete time wasters.”

Mr Shields, who lives with son Brayden, 20, said the large flag was stapled to timber beneath the first-floor bay window at the front of his three-bedroom semi.

He added: “This is the third time this has happened and I am so angry.

“It was about 4.50am and I heard a rustling noise outside and the sound of the flag being ripped down.

“When I looked out of the window I saw two men running off laughing and carrying my flag.

“I put this flag up about a year ago after buying it from the Army surplus shop off Botley Road. I think it cost about £35.”

Mr Shields, who has reported the theft to Thames Valley Police, said a similar theft took place 18 months ago but on that occasion he got the flag back.

“Some students pulled down that Union Jack and ran off with it, but I managed to track them down and when I confronted them they handed it back,” said Mr Shields.

He added that in 2000, a Union Flag and the American Stars and Stripes were both taken from the outside of his home.

Neither was recovered.

Mr Shields said: “I recently went on holiday in the United States and the American flag could be seen everywhere.

“During the Jubilee celebrations and the Olympics, people told me how much they appreciated seeing my flag and I think people in this country need to be more patriotic.”

Royal British Legion county president Jim Lewendon, who attends repatriations in Headley Way, said: “I’ve seen that flag and it’s a fitting tribute to soldiers who have died.

“This is a despicable theft and these men should examine their consciences and, if possible, return the flag.”

Police are investigating the theft and anyone with information can call them on 101.