A former British soldier has told how he has been urinated on and had his sleeping bag set on fire while living on the streets of Manchester.

Billy Gage went into the Armed Forces as soon as he left school at the age of 16 and spent 11 years serving his country as an All Arms Commando and went on several tours including Northern Ireland, Kosovo, Bosnia and Sierra Leone.

After leaving in 2004 he started his own plastering business, got married and had a son, Daniel.

But when his son was just six-years-old, Daniel tragically died.

The 39-year-old said he is shocked there is not more help for soldiers and he is disgusted at how people treat those living on the streets.

He said: “Sometimes I just go to a quiet street and cry to myself. I just can’t believe I’m in this situation.

“I have put my life on the line for the good of this country and this is the way I’m treated? It’s disgusting.”

He said he has been urinated on, spat on and even had his sleeping bag set on fire while being homeless.

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“I’m not the only person that has served in the forces and is now on the streets. There are so many of us that are just forgotten about. We were just a number, and now when times are hard, they forget we even exist.

“If I had my time again I wouldn’t go into the army. Look where it has got me. It has made me very bitter.

“There is a military agreement in place because I have defended this country and every single person in it. But that has been forgotten about now.”

Billy’s son died three years ago and since then he says the death has torn his world apart and he found himself living on and off the streets.

He said: “I literally went into his room to get him up for school one morning and he was dead in his bed. It was horrific. I just couldn’t hold things together anymore after that.”

They later found he had a hole in his heart that was undetected.

“After that I struggled to keep things together. My marriage and business just fell apart. I also struggled with post traumatic stress disorder and was sectioned several times.

“I was in really dark place and didn’t know where to turn or what to do and have been on and off the streets for the past few years.”

In pictures: Homeless camp moved

He said he has contacted the Royal British Legion for help but the housing system is keeping him on the streets.

“They told me they could provide a bond and rent but I can’t even get a flat because every estate agents I go to ask for reference fees which cost around £100 and I’m on the street. I can’t afford that. I’m lucky if I even get £5 a day. I just keep hitting brick walls.”

A Royal British Legion spokeswoman said they did not have any record of any visits from Mr Gage.

She added: “We are actively wanting Mr Gage to come to the centre and want to help him. It is not the case that we have turned him away.

"The Legion provides care and support to veterans and serving personnel including financial advice, help with housing and the provision of white and brown goods. We aim to provide the best possible care to help beneficiaries get back on their feet.”

They asked him to visit the centre to speak to staff or call the contact centre on 0808 802 8080.