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Four arrested over Lowry theft

Sue Carr
5/11/2007

FOUR people have been arrested over the million-pound theft of artwork by LS Lowry.

The paintings, estimated to be worth up to £1,500,000, were stolen during a robbery in Cheadle Hulme in May this year.

Police carried out a series of raids this morning (Monday, 5 November) and arrested four men on suspicion of robbery. The suspects - a 31-year-old from Hyde and three men aged 22, 24 and 36 from Denton - are currently being questioned by police.

They were arrested at addresses on Marlbrough Close in Audenshaw, Moorfield Avenue, Mount Pleasant Road and Constable Walk in Denton, Worthington Road in Haughton Green, Ferndale and Corona Avenue in Hyde and also Highgate Crescent in Gorton.

Detective Constable Chris Barnes, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Today’s arrests follow months of work by officers responding to information passed over from the public. We have had a number of people come forward, both as a result of the media appeals and the recent Crimewatch appeal.

“We would like to thank those people but continue to appeal to anyone who has any further information on this to get in touch. A £70,000 reward remains available to anyone who provides information leading to the recovery and return of these paintings.”

Anyone with information can call the major incident room on 8562482 or Crimestoppers, free and in complete confidence, on 0800 555 111.

Four men have been bailed until 25 February 2008 pending further police enquiries