Fifty Shades of Grey new book: Police find 'no evidence' advance copy of Grey was stolen

The new novel is due to be released tomorrow on Christian Grey's fictional birthday

The book will be the fourth in the Fifty Shades of Grey series (Getty Images)

A police investigation has found “no evidence” to suggest a copy of EL James’s new Fifty Shades of Grey novel had been stolen before its release.

Lawyers acting for publishers Random House had told newspapers not to accept any advanced copies of Grey or extracts from it ahead of the official publication tomorrow.

A letter said a book had been stolen and there were fears someone would try and profit from its early release.

A photo posted by E L James (@erikaljames) on Jun 15, 2015 at 9:20am PDT

But Kent Police have shelved their investigation into the alleged theft after finding no proof it had happened.

A spokesperson added: “Following a report that one book had been stolen after packaging was found to be damaged, there is no evidence at this stage to suggest that an offence has been committed.

“No more action will be taken unless further information is received.”

Lawyers acting for the publishers claimed the alleged theft was capable of 'causing serious financial loss in a very short time' (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Police did not comment on continuing speculation that the reported theft was part of a publicity stunt.

The book’s publication coincides with protagonist Christian Grey’s fictional birthday on 18 June.

The original trilogy, which has sold 125 million copies and led to a blockbuster film franchise, is written from the perspective of Anastasia Steele, a university graduate drawn into a billionaire's BDSM fantasies.

James said her new novel was “dedicated to those readers who asked…and asked…and asked” to have the story re-told from Grey’s viewpoint.

Random House could not be reached for a comment.