Two signed Damien Hirst art works stolen in gallery raid

The two artworks, which are worth £33,000, have been stolen from Notting Hill Gallery four days after they were displayed.

15:42 11 December 2013

Two signed Damien Hirst art work called Pyronin Y and Oleoylsarcosine which feature multi-coloured dots and which are worth £33,000 were stolen on Monday from a Notting Hill Gallery.

Police said that they have reason to believe that the artworks, which were stolen just four days after they were displayed, were specifically targeted and they want witnesses to come forward.

Det Sgt Jon Lightfoot said: "It appears the suspect has specifically targeted the two pieces.

"The items would have been visible in the back of the car and we are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward.”

Gallery manager Nathan Engelbreght was deeply saddened with the news. He said: "We opened in September and it was a bit of a coup to get the Hirst artworks. We had them for four days and then they were stolen.

"We wanted Hirst to be in the Christmas show and to help raise our profile and to show people we can get the big names in, so it's a big hit and here's hoping insurance will cover it, if it doesn't it will probably take us under.”