Police in Kent are investigating the theft of the new Fifty Shades of Grey book just days before publication.

The hotly-anticipated follow-up to the adult literature trilogy by former University of Kent student E.L. James is due to come out next Thursday.

But publisher Penguin Random House revealed a copy of the book - called Grey - had been swiped on Monday, prompting them to call police.

It is feared the novel may now be leaked or sold to the media.

Kent Police confirmed it was looking into the allegations, although it is unclear if the manuscript was stolen in the county.

A spokesman said: "Officers are making inquiries after receiving a report that a book had been stolen on June 8."

The book recounts the erotic adventures of the hugely-successful Fifty Shades franchise from the perspective of billionaire Christian Grey.

Grey will be published as planned next Thursday - Christian Grey’s birthday.