A limited-edition bronze statue valued at £40,000 has been stolen from a Mayfair art gallery.
Detectives in Westminster are appealing for information following the theft and police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to trace in connection with the incident.
Police said a man entered the gallery, in Maddox Street, on Friday June 26 between 5.30pm and 5.50pm and stole the statue called Horizontal Birdman 1.
The 1962 work, by artist Elisabeth Frink, is inscribed on the underside with 'Frink 10/10'.
The suspect is described as a white male, around 6ft tall, of medium build, with medium-length greying hair on the sides. He was wearing glasses, a light blue shirt and dark suit, and was carrying a black sports bag.
Detective Constable Kevin Eade, of Westminster CID, said: "It appears the suspect has specifically targeted this piece and picked his moment.
"He took his time first browsing around the art gallery and speaking with the manager before stealing the statue.
"Anyone who recognises the man pictured please come forward."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable Kevin Eade on 020 7321 7623 or call 101 quoting CRIS reference 6527624/15 or call Crimestoppers Anonymously on 0800 555 111.
