INTERNATIONAL NEWS - A rare Harry Potter prequel handwritten by author J.K. Rowling on a postcard has been stolen during a burglary in central England, police said on Friday as they appealed for help from fans of the wizard across the world.The 800-word story, set three years before Harry Potter is born and which sold for 25,000 pounds ($32,152) at a charity auction in 2008, was stolen from a property in Birmingham between 13-24 April.“Please don’t buy this if you’re offered it,” Rowling wrote on Twitter. The 800-word story, set three years before Harry Potter is born and which sold for 25,000 pounds ($32,152) at a charity auction in 2008, was stolen from a property in Birmingham between April 13-24. Originally auctioned for @englishpen, the owner supported writers’ freedoms by bidding for it.”

The manuscript was written on both sides of an A5 card for a charity auction nine years ago and sold for £25,000 (approximately Rs 20 lakh). West Midlands Police in England are calling for Rowling’s fans to assist in spreading their message of an appeal, with Investigating Officer PC Paul Jauncey writing, “The only people who will buy this unique piece are true Harry Potter fans. We are appealing to anyone who sees, or is offered this item for sale, to contact police.”

The story, penned personally by @jk_rowling over 2 sides of an A5 postcard is extremely valuable & stolen during a burglary in #KingsHeath pic.twitter.com/Aio04lVjFt — West Midlands Police (@WMPolice) May 12, 2017

West Midland law-enforcement officials are asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of the story to contact them. In case you’re into selling literature on the black market, here’s a head’s up: an untitled Harry Potter prequel handwritten on a postcard by her highness J.K. Rowling has been stolen in a burglary in Birmingham, England.
British author J. K. Rowling urges fans to refrain from buying a manuscript written by her, a Harry Potter prequel, which was originally auctioned off for charity but was later stolen.