A war veteran from Solihull who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq has been living in his car for six weeks after being made homeless.

Richard Storer, a father of three, joined the Irish Guards at 16 and has served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosova, twice in Iraq – and three times in Afghanistan.

He briefly left the Army ten years ago to spend more time with his children, but rejoined after his marriage broke up.

The 41-year-old has become a familiar sight in Lea Village, on the outskirts of Chelmsley Wood. The ex-corporal, who was invalided out of the Army with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder last June, says his country has forgotten him.

Richard has been honoured for his service Credit: BPM Media

"I don’t expect special treatment because I fought for this country, I just want what’s right. But I recently saw a programme about Syrian refugees, and it said 80 per cent of those shown had been given homes. That hurts because they haven’t been able to find one for me.” Richard Storer

His frustration boiled over two weeks ago and led to a confrontation at Solihull Council’s Chelmsley Wood housing office that became so heated police were called. Having voluntarily turned himself in, Richard was arrested on suspicion of using threatening and abusive language, and is currently on police bail.

"The processes that are supposed to be in place are not there. I have shown the necessary papers, but there’s still nothing. It’s frustrating. Big time.” Richard Storer

The former soldier was officially made homeless on January 7 this year when he had to give up his Ministry of Defence accommodation in Aldershot. He returned to Chelmsley Wood, where he had a council property ten years ago, but says council bosses will not acknowledge that he is homeless.

"I’ve shown them all the paperwork, but they won’t budge. I am not saying ‘I was a soldier so put me at the top of your list’. I am saying ‘I’m homeless’.And being homeless, not having an address, makes it that much harder to get the medication I need from a GP.” Richard Storer

Richard Storer with his belongings Credit: BPM Media

The medication is for the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder he suffers from, with harrowing images returning on an almost daily basis.

As a result, his family has splintered. His wife and daughter are in Germany, one teenage son is with family in Norwich and another still lives in Aldershot.

A spokesman from Solihull Council said:

"We appreciate Mr Storer is an ex-serviceman and we would, of course, be willing to assist him wherever we can under normal circumstances. However, we also take very seriously our duty to protect our staff, who must be allowed to carry out their work in a safe environment free from threats and abuse.” Solihull Council spokesperson

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police confirmed officers were called to Chelmsley Wood housing offices on January 22 and “removed” a 41-year-old man.