THE family of a brave Birmingham soldier risking his life in Afghanistan today attacked “despicable thieves” who stole parcels destined for frontline troops.

The donations of food and other supplies were taken from Julie Christopher’s car in George Road, Erdington. They were destined for her 25-year-old son, Tyler, and his comrades, who are fighting the Taliban with the 4 Rifles in Helmand Province.

“I am absolutely disgusted,” Julie said.

And Tyler’s grandmother, Edna Wilson, said she was disgusted the thieves had broken into her daughter’s car.

“I don’t ever swear, but I feel like swearing about this,” said the 72-year-old.

“My daughter is obviously worried about Tyler, we all are, and she has been focusing on helping him and his colleagues.

“It’s despicable that people can come along and do this. I suspect they got a surprise when they found bags of dry pasta, flip-flops, socks, games and empty shoe boxes.”

The donations, all collected from Birmingham firms and well-wishers, were taken as Julie, a 52-year-old carer who moved from Great Barr to Wales last December, stayed with her brother.

Tyler is a former pupil of Barr Beacon School and his brother is up-and-coming singer Bryn Christopher, who used Tyler’s military service as the inspiration for his first hit, The Quest.

Julie said: “These crooks probably never worked a day in their lives and they are stealing from brave young lads who are laying down their lives.