The widow of George Harrison is reported to be taking legal action against her ex brother-in-law for allegedly trying to sell some of the former Beatle's personal belongings.

According to the agency AFP, Olivia Harrison claims records, clothing, and photos taken without permission were touted for sale only a day after her husband died of cancer on 29 November.

Mrs Harrison is taking legal action in Los Angeles against her sister's ex husband Carl Roles.

She says the items, which have sentimental value, were taken without permission when Mr Roles was looking after the Harrisons' home in the United States during the 1980s.

Undercover detective

The alleged theft came to light when Mr Roles tried to sell ten boxes of Mr Harrison's personal items to a detective posing as a memorabilia collector.

Mr Roles and his ex-wife, Linda Arias, looked after the Harrisons' home until it was destroyed in a mud slide in 1980.

It is understood Olivia Harrison has been granted a temporary restraining order against Mr and Mrs Roles.

She is now seeking an injunction to force them to return the items.

Court action

Mrs Harrison filed the case on Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

According to the petition, Mrs Harrison and her husband's estate claim Mr Roles took items from the house without permission and that he and his new wife Carol wrongfully tried to sell and profit from them.

Mr and Mrs Roles allegedly refused to return the items or to refrain from selling or destroying them, prompting the lawsuit, it is claimed in the court papers.

The law suit seeks return of the property plus unspecified damages, interest and lawyers' fees.

A hearing for a permanent injunction will be held 1 February.

AFP reports that there has been no comment from Mr Roles so far.

Meanwhile George Harrison remains on course for a posthumous number one single with the re-release of his 1971 hit My Sweet Lord.