New Fifty Shades Of Grey novel 'STOLEN' just days before release

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Police are said to have launched an investigation amid fears the new book, Grey - a re-imagining of the original told from Christian Grey’s perspective - could be sold on the black market.

A copy of the novel is thought to have been discovered missing earlier today, according to publisher Penguin Random House.

The long-awaited follow-up by EL James was expected to be launched on June 18, four years after the original first hit shelves after starting life online as Twilight fan fiction.

The British writer's saucy trilogy, which has since been turned into a film starring Jamie Dornan, has now sold more than 125 million copies, and has placed her in the Sunday Times Rich List. EL James teased a copy of the cover earlier this month on Instagram, writing: "For those of you who have asked, Christian's POV of #FSOG is published on 18th June for his birthday. It's called GREY… I hope you enjoy it."

She previously informed fans as to why she felt the need to cover the story from the billionaire's perspective.

"Christian is a complex character and readers have always been fascinated by his desires and motivations, and his troubled past," she said. "Also, as anyone who has ever been in a relationship knows, there are two sides to every story.

"It's been a great pleasure to return to my happy place - writing, being with Christian and Ana in their universe, and working with the fantastic publishing teams in the US and the UK," EL James added.

The Express.co.uk has contacted a spokesman for star following these reports.