Police investigating the theft of 22 tonnes of cheese have arrested a 63-year-old man on suspicion of fraud by false representation and handling stolen goods.

It’s coming burglary at Neal’s Yard Dairy in Southwarkin south London last week.

Company bosses said the firm lost more than £300,000 worth of cloth-clad Cheddar after being duped by a fraudulent buyer posing as a legitimate wholesaler for a major French retailer.

They added that they discovered the person’s identity was fake only after a total of 950 cheeses had been delivered.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said on Thursday that investigating officers had arrested a 63-year-old man who “was taken to a south London police station where he was interviewed”.

The force said the man “has since been released on bail pending further enquiries”.

Neal’s Yard Dairy said last week that the three types of artisan cheeses stolen were Hafod Welsh Organic Cheddar, Westcombe Cheddar and Pitchfork Cheddar.

It added that the trio “have won numerous awards and are among the most sought-after artisan cheeses in the UK” and suggested their “high monetary value” made them “a particular target for thieves”.

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(c) Sky News 2024: Man arrested after stealing £300,000 worth of cheese