Three Lowry works stolen in raid

Three of the 15 stolen paintings were by LS Lowry

Fifteen paintings worth £300,000 including three by LS Lowry, have been stolen from a newly opened art gallery.

Thieves smashed the front window of the Clark Art Gallery in Hale, Greater Manchester, using a drain cover.

Gallery owner Bill Clark and his insurers have offered a £25,000 reward for help leading to the paintings' return and the gang's capture.

Three men, aged 18 to 25, were seen to drive away from the gallery early on Wednesday, a police spokesman said.

'Targeted paintings'

"It is devastating to have this happen after one week's trading," said Mr Clark.

"The thieves have targeted paintings and drawings by LS Lowry, Helen Bradley and Sir Terry Frost."

The stolen Lowry paintings are Industrial Scene, worth £40,000, Industrial Scene with Figures 1949, worth £40,000, and Two Women and Children 1950, valued at £115,000 and which had just been sold.

Det Con Neil Rothwell said: "They are all extremely distinctive paintings and it is likely the offenders may approach known dealers to sell them."