THIEVES stole £1,375 worth of artwork following a heist at a gallery in Altrincham.

The offenders broke into County Galleries, on Railway Street, and escaped with two paintings.

Painting one was a Huw Jones oil measuring 20 by 34 inches and was valued at £675.

The second was a Derek Eland painting measuring 24 by 28 inches and valued at £700.

Detective Constable David Stevenson, from Stretford CID, said: “It is likely the offenders will look to sell on the stolen paintings.

“If you have been approached with a view to buying any of this art, heard about someone selling these pictures or have any knowledge about this burglary please get in touch.”

County Galleries has been dealing in artwork for the past 30 years and has introduced a host of distinctive artisits and exhibits in that time.

The gallery building was recently awarded Grade II listed status by English Heritage. This means the Edwardian gothic structure can be celebrated as having exceptional architectural interest.

Anyone with information about the theft, which happened between 6pm on Saturday, November 26 and 7.25am on Monday, November 28, is asked to call Stretford CID on 0161 856 7652 or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.