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CCTV appeal after £100,000 antique theft at Royal Hospital in Chelsea

Police investigating the theft of a £100,000 antique have released a CCTV image of a suspect they are trying to trace.

CCTV image of a man police want to trace Credit: Met Police

The stolen bronze antique is a sculpture of a panther which was created by Francois Pompon in 1925. It went missing while on show at the Masterpiece Art Fair which was held at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea on Wednesday July 1.

An assistant noticed the artwork which was displayed on a plinth was missing at 1.30pm and immediately notified security.

Once CCTV footage had been examined, it revealed the suspect taking the sculpture off the display and putting it under his jacket. He then left the building.

We know he left in a taxi which dropped him at Appold Street at the junction with Primrose Street near Liverpool Street station. If you recognise the man or know of his whereabouts please contact police.

– Detective Constable Pete O'Brien, from Kensington and Chelsea CID

Anyone with information can contact Mr O'Brien on 020 8246 0237 or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.