Detectives investigating the crime said the man was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods.

Neal’s Yard Dairy revealed in a post on Instagram​that he was the victim of a theft involving “a fraudulent buyer posing as a legitimate wholesale distributor for a large French retailer.”

More than 950 wheels of Cheddar Hafod, Westcombe and Pitchfork, which had a total value of more than £300,000, were stolen.

Neal’s Yard Dairy added that despite the “significant financial hit”, it has honored its commitment to its small-scale suppliers and has already paid the three artisan cheesemakers in full.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver later drew attention to the incident, calling it a “cheese robbery”.

In his own post on Instagram​​, Oliver urged his followers to be on the lookout because “truckloads of really fancy cheese” are being “sold cheap”.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said the arrested man was taken to a south London police station where he was questioned.

The force added that he “has since been released on bail pending further enquiries”.

In an update, Neal’s Yard Dairy said: On 30 October we learned that the Metropolitan Police had made an arrest in connection with the theft.

“We are grateful for the progress they have made and will continue to support their investigation in any way we can.”