SPORTS Direct tycoon Mike Ashley has suffered a major blow after stock worth up to £1million was pinched from a warehouse.
Thieves took the gear from a distribution warehouse while the sports retail chain is shut during the lockdown.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Ashley, who is currently in talks to sell Newcastle United for £300m, is said to be "fuming" at the break-in.
Cops have since launched a major probe into the theft and have arrested two men. They have been released on bail.
A Humberside Police spokesman said: "The men were arrested after hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of sportswear was stolen from a commercial warehouse in Grimsby."
"We were called shortly before 2.15pm on April 2 with reports of a burglary at a business on Estate Road 1."
"Officers attended where they found that a large quantity of stock had been taken from inside."
"As part of our ongoing investigations, two men have been arrested. Both have been released under investigation whilst our enquiries continue."
They added: "We are particularly keen to hear from anyone that has dashcam footage from travelling on the M180 and A180 between 7:45pm and 11pm on March 30, or 9pm on March 31 and 4am the following morning."
The daring robbery came just days before Ashley was forced to issue a grovelling apology amid the Covid-19 crisis.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here.
To follow us on Facebook, simply 'Like' our Coronavirus page.
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more.
The Sports Direct founder said his stores should stay open during the lockdown because it was an essential operator for keeping the nation fit.
He said his comments were "ill-judged and poorly timed".
He later offered the company's "entire fleet of lorries" to the NHS to help deliver supplies and equipment.
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Source: Read Full Article