Police investigate 'theft' of next Harry Potter book

Police are to investigate the alleged theft of two copies of the new Harry Potter book just weeks before it is due to go on sale.

The copies of J K Rowling's fifth instalment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, were reportedly found in a field at Bungay, Suffolk, on Monday. A 40-year-old man telephoned The Sun when he discovered the books, which are not due for publication until 21 June, according to the newspaper.

The printers, Clays Ltd, contacted police yesterday alleging that the copies had been stolen from their premises, a quarter of mile from where the novels were reportedly dumped. As part of the investigation police are expected to question journalists from The Sun and the man who claims to have found the books. The newspaper said it sent a journalist to collect the books, and was making arrangements to return them to the publishers, Bloomsbury.

Neil Blair, from the literary agency Christopher Little, which represents Rowling, said: "The investigation is focusing on the suspicion that this involved a theft."

Order of the Phoenix, at 255,000 words, is the longest book of the series, surpassing the 191,000 words in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.