Source: PA Wire/PA Images

POLICE HAVE ISSUED an appeal after a rare Harry Potter prequel, handwritten by the author JK Rowling, was stolen during a burglary in Kings Heath.

The story, penned personally by Rowling over two sides of an A5 postcard, is extremely valuable.

The handwritten postcard was gifted to the charity English PEN, which aims to promote ‘the freedom to write and read’.

JK Rowling. Source: Empics Entertainment

The letter sold at auction, but between the 13 and 24 April, it was stolen from the purchaser’s home on Howard Road, along with a quantity of jewellery.

Author JK Rowling and English PEN have urged Harry Potter fans to spread the message, and have appealed to the public to come forward with any information.

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Investigating officer PC Paul Jauncey with England’s West-Midland’s police said:

“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.”

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the unique and rare postcard and those with information about the break-in are asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101.