Soldiers from Britain's Princes William and Harry's Army regiment are reeling in shock after a thief stole their war medals.

The culprit forced open more than 15 lockers at the Household Cavalry's Windsor Comberemere Barracks, escaping with six medals earned by soldiers who bravely fought the Taliban last year.

The regiment lost three men in their Afghanistan campaign.

The thief struck while most of the men from the William's D-Squadron were away on leave.

A source from the Household Cavalry told Britain's Sun newspaper: "If this piece of filth is ever caught, he will wish it was the Taliban that found him. There was just a holding party remaining at the base so we have a rough idea who we're looking at. If this piece of filth is ever caught, he will wish it was the Taliban that found him. Only scum would steal medals from a soldier and it's unheard of that another soldier would do it."

An MOD spokesperson confirmed: "We are aware of an alleged theft of campaign medals. The Royal Military Police are investigating."

Prince William, 24 is currently on a tank commanders' course in Dorset, whilst Harry, 22, is soon to leave for Iraq.