A sought-after Harry Potter prequel handwritten on a postcard by J.K. Rowling has been stolen in a burglary in Birmingham.
The untitled 800-word story, which was penned on a A5 card, sold for £25,000 at a charity auction at Sotheby's in 2008, The Guardian reports. The valuable manuscript was taken along with some jewellery during a break-in at a property in Howard Road, Kings Heath between 13th and 24th April. West Midlands police are now calling on Harry Potter fans around the world to work some magic and help track down the rare piece of Rowling's writing.
"The only people who will buy this unique piece are true Harry Potter fans," PC Paul Jauncey said. "We are appealing to anyone who sees, or is offered this item for sale, to contact police."
Rowling also tweeted a message warning her followers not to buy the stolen item.
The one-of-a-kind prequel was originally donated by Rowling to the 2008 auction to raise funds for English PEN, a charity which promotes freedom of expression, and Dyslexia Action. The story was reportedly set three years before Harry's birth and features his father James and godfather Sirius Black as teenagers. They are confronted by two "muggle" policemen after a high-speed motorbike chase but in true wizard style, the pair manage to get away on their broomsticks.
Anyone who has information about the postcard or the Birmingham break-in has been urged to come forward and contact West Midlands police.
