David Walliams: Stolen letters from young book fans have been returned

Comedian David Walliams says stolen letters sent to him by young fans of his children's books have been returned by police.

The Britain's Got Talent judge and author revealed on Twitter on Sunday that his post, including "a large box of letters from children" from publisher HarperCollins, had been taken by thieves, and he apologised to those who had not received a reply from him.

On Thursday, he tweeted: "The @metpoliceuk kindly returned a number of children's letters to me that had been stolen in December & I have now replied to them all."

Walliams has written eight books for HarperCollins, with Demon Dentist, Ratburger and Gangsta Granny all becoming children's best-sellers.

Billionaire Boy, The Boy In The Dress, Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink were all turned into TV adaptations that have been highlights of the Christmas TV schedule for families in recent years.

According to his publisher's website, his next book is due for release in November.

The Little Britain star, 44, announced last week that Scotland Yard had informed him of the crime.

He tweeted: "The @metpoliceuk just told me my post was stolen, including a large box of letters from children that had been sent via @HarperCollins.

"So I apologise if you sent a letter & have not received a reply as I do endeavour to reply to everyone. If in doubt please write again."

Police said inquires were continuing and that no arrests had been made.

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "Police in Camden were called on 8 April by a member of the public who had found a numbers of discarded items of post.

"Officers are in the process of contacting the intended recipients and inquiries are under way to establish whether an offence has been committed."