Photos of unconscious former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher on sale

Medical notes purported to be those of the retired Formula One world champion apparently have been stolen.

Schumacher is no longer in a coma and has left the hospital where he was being treated, after suffering a skiing accident in the French Alps five months ago.

Sabine Kehm, managing director of Schumacher's offices in Geneva, said: "For several days stolen documents and data are being offered for sale. The offeror claims them to be the medical file of Michael Schumacher.

"We cannot judge if these documents are authentic. However, the documents are clearly stolen. The theft has been reported. The authorities are involved.

"We expressly advise that both the purchase and the publication of such documents and data are forbidden. The contents of any medical files are totally private and confidential and must not made available to the public. We will therefore, in every single case, press for criminal charges and damages against any publication of the content or reference to the medical file."