22 tonnes of cheese "stolen" in London

A London-based cheese manufacturer has reported more than 22 tonnes of cheddar stolen after an alleged scam.

Neal's Yard Dairy said it delivered more than 950 wheels of cheddar to the alleged fraudster posing as a wholesale distributor for a major French retailer before realising what had happened.

The company said it still paid Hafod, Westcombe and Pitchfork, the producers of the cheese, so they would not have to bear the cost "despite the significant financial blow".

The cheese manufacturer said it is working with police to identify the perpetrators.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "On Monday, 21st October we received a report of the theft of a large quantity of cheese from a manufacturer based in Southwark.

"Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances."

Police said no arrests have been made related to the alleged theft.

Neal's Yard Dairy called out to cheesemongers around the world to contact them if they suspect they have been sold the stolen cheese, particularly clothbound cheddars in a 10kg or 24kg format with the tags detached.

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