Photo stills stolen from Harry Potter studios

British police are investigating the theft of photographic stills of the second Harry Potter movie from studios in Hertfordshire.

The stills are from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, due out next year, and are believed to have been stolen from a locked room at Leavesden Studios, Watford.

Warner Brothers have sent a warning to all media picture desks not to use the stills if they receive them because they are stolen.

A spokesman for Herts police said: "The theft has been reported and officers are investigating."

In February this year props were stolen from the set and then appeared for sale on the internet.

A wizard's hat and three gold coins were taking during the making of the first film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, which is already one of the most successful movies ever.

The worldwide market for Potter memorabilia is worth billions and original items are highly sought after.

Warner Brothers would not comment further on the theft.