Bargain Hunt star Charlie Hanson's auction house was broken into overnight before it prepared to sell Star Wars memorabilia, leaving him fuming over the 'despicable and sad' raid.

Officers were called to Hansons Auctioneers, in Heage Lane, Etwall, South Derbyshire, at 2.10am on Thursday.

Derbyshire Police remain at the scene carrying out an investigation, as information on what has been stolen is currently unknown.

A four-day auction of silver, jewellery, and watches had been due to start today, but a notice on the company website informed eager collectors that the event had been 'temporarily delayed due to unforeseen circumstances'.

'We hope to start the auction tomorrow or early next week. We will update further on our website and social media soon,' it added.

Bargain Hunt star Charlie Hanson's has been left fuming after his auction house was broken into in the early hours of Thursday morning

The auctioneer (pictured centre), 45, called the raid 'despicable and sad' after an auction was set to take place today and has now been 'temporarily delayed'

Derbyshire police are still investigating the incident as it is not currently known what has been stolen from the establishment

Hansons Auctioneers was founded in 2005 by well-known television personality Charles Hanson, 45, who is famed for his appearances on Bargain Hunt, Flog It! and Antiques Road Trip.

Following the devastating break-in, Hanson said: 'It is despicable and sad that my Etwall saleroom has been broken into.'

But he claimed that thanks to the buildings security system and how quick the police arrived at the scene, limited mess and disturbance had occurred.    

'Sadly in this world, instances like this occur. However, we thrive on what we do across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the UK and we will quickly recover,' he added. 

'Hansons' four-day Derby Antiques and Collectors Auction, which was due to start on April 18, will suffer a slight delay but will go on as normal.

'Any vendors affected by this upsetting incident will be properly compensated through our insurance policy. 

'Clients who have any concerns should contact the saleroom, or myself, directly'.

With optimism, he added: 'Derbyshire police will do their utmost to catch those responsible. 

As well as the four-day auction, Hansons was also set to host a Derby May Single Owner Star Wars Auction

A chartered surveyor, Hanson then made his first appearance on Bargain Hunt in 2002

'We hope these individuals will be swiftly apprehended as we do not wish to see anyone else suffer in this way.'

As well as the four-day auction, Hansons was also set to host a Derby May Single Owner Star Wars Auction next month.

Star Wars fans had been eagerly placing their bids on the vintage pieces before entries closed on April 12.

The catalogue is set to be published online next Friday, but with investigations ongoing into the break-in, collectors will be keeping a close eye on the auction details as the week progresses.

A police statement on the incident said: 'We were called to reports of a break-in at Hansons Auctioneers in Heage Lane, Etwall, at 2.10am today.

'Officers remain at the scene of the incident and there will be an ongoing presence there as the investigation continues.'

They have since launched an appeal for information relating to the break-in asking people to contact them or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111. 

The shock break-in comes just months after Hanson faced charges of assault by beating and coercive behaviour, a source told the MailOnline in December.

The BBC auctioneer was set to not appear in any BBC shows in the 'imminent future' as he awaits to stand trial for alleged behaviour against his wife, Rebecca Ludlam.

Hanson pictured with his wife Rebecca at their home in Derbyshire

He pleaded not guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour that 'caused his wife Rebecca on two occasions to fear violence', and told the MailOnline:'I deny all the charges. I have never behaved aggressively or unlawfully towards my family.

'We have been through some difficult times in our marriage and it is extremely sad that this has become a criminal matter. I will be co-operating fully with the investigation and legal process.'

The TV star also denied with assault occasioning causing actual bodily harm and two counts of assault by beating.

The charges allegedly took place against wife Rebecca between 2015 and June 2023.