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POLICE probing two Rangers takeovers raided Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley’s HQ yesterday.

Detectives investigating the conduct of Craig Whyte and Charles Green travelled from Scotland to the Derbyshire nerve-centre of Ashley’s huge business empire.

The two-year inquiry was understood to have centred on Whyte – but now the focus seems to have switched to Rangers’ operations since the club was sold by Sir David Murray in 2011.

The move has shocked staff at Ashley’s HQ in Shirebrook, Mansfield.

One worker told the Record: “I noticed a couple of regular bobbies walking around but I didn’t think too much of it.

“But when I tried to step outside the building at around 11am, I was told I couldn’t leave until a full search of the premises had been carried out.

“One detective said we could go into the canteen while the search was ongoing but people wanted to know what was happening so we stayed there.

“At one point, the detective asked if any of those in reception was David Forsey, the chief executive. When we said he wasn’t there, he said we were all free to go.”

Police Scotland confirmed that officers had searched a property in Derbyshire but would not comment further.

A Sport Direct spokesman said the investigation is not focused on Mike Ashley or any of his staff.

He said: “The premises were visited by police conducting an investigation relating to Rangers and various persons previously employed by and or associated with Rangers.

“The investigation is not directed at Sports Direct, any of its directors or employees. The police were seeking documentation which might assist the investigation.”

More news from Ibrox

Gallery - the key players in the Rangers crisis:

Newcastle United owner Ashley was revealed as a major shareholder in Ibrox three years ago but there have been efforts to oust him amid the recent takeover by South African-based businessman Dave King and his ally Paul Murray.

Whyte bought Rangers from Murray for £1 in 2011 but he steered the club into administration in February 2012 and then liquidation in July 2012.

Green then stepped in to buy Rangers, beating a rival bid by a consortium led by former manager Walter Smith.

Green’s reign was also turbulent, with controversies including his sale of the name rights for Ibrox to Ashley for £1.

Green was forced to leave Rangers amid allegations that he had links to Whyte at the time of the original buy-out in 2011.

MIKE ASHLEY'S RANGERS TIMELINE

2007 - Mike Ashley buys Old Firm tickets at a charity dinner for more than £100,000

2011 - Ashley and Sports Direct’s renaming of St James’s Park mentioned in reports of changing name of Ibrox

August 9, 2012 - Reports that Ashley will buy a stake in the club

Aug 23, 2012 – Sports Direct strike merchandise deal with Rangers

Oct 20, 2012 – Charles Green announces that Ashley has been green-lit to invest

Nov 29, 2012 – Reports emerge of Ashley’s “negotiations” for Ibrox naming right

Nov 30, 2012 – Sports Direct “one of a number” of renaming proposals in deal that could net club £1.5million

Dec 6, 2012 – Ashley confirmed as third-largest shareholder in Rangers (8.9 per cent) in statement to AIM

Dec 20, 2012 – Green says he is in talks with up to three companies who want to rename Ibrox, including Sports Direct who are “ready to hand over an initial £1.5million”

Jan 24, 2013 – Reports that fans back a potential sponsorship deal worth £2million

Sep 3, 2014 – Record reveals that Ashley bought naming rights for £1 from Green two years earlier.

Oct 25, 2014 – Ashley offers club £2million loan

March 3, 2015 – The SFA fine Ashley £7500 for breaking rules on dual interest in Rangers and Newcastle United