Burglars have stolen an untitled Harry Potter prequel handwritten on a postcard by JK Rowling.

The 800-word story, written on an A5 card, sold for £25,000 at a charity auction at Sotheby’s in 2008.

The postcard was stolen with some jewellery from a property in Howard Road, Kings Heath, during a break-in between April 13 and 24, reports The Guardian.

West Midlands police have issued a plea for information in the hope that “the appeal goes far and wide among Harry Potter fans throughout the world”.

PC Paul Jauncey added: “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.”