Shoes 14 June 2023

Purchased an item online, which arrived promptly and had no issues from this end. When the item arrived I did not like it and was not happy with the packaging as aware this is not the standard packaging for this brand (shoes purchased that were not in standard branded shoe box)
Returned the item via the 24s appointed courier (DHL) and received confirmation that the item has been received by 24S. A couple of days later receive an email saying my parcel was empty and I would need to complete a signed statement within 7 days otherwise they would close my file. This was done and I am now being told they cannot do anything and I need to file a police report.
I am now £700 out of pocket due to using a courier that I had no control over and somewhere along the line my parcel being stolen.
I shall never be using the company again due the bad experience and the way that it is being resolved and would advise others to avoid also.