Police hunt stolen da Vinci

The painting depicts the Madonna with the infant Jesus

Police are hunting a gang who stole a Leonardo da Vinci painting from a Scottish castle.

Up to four men raided Drumlanrig Castle on Wednesday morning and got away with the Madonna with Yarnwinder, which is thought to be worth about £30m.

Police at airports, ferry terminals and in the rest of Europe have been alerted and issued with descriptions of the raiders.

It's the most beautiful work of art by one of the greatest painters in the world. Richard Dalkeith, Earl of Dalkeith

A white Volkswagen Golf GTI - which was used by the gang in their escape - was found abandoned in woods near the castle.

Experts say the painting could never be sold on because it is too well known.

Richest men

A police spokesman said that two men posing as visitors overpowered a female member of staff and escaped with the painting.

The castle is home to the Duke of Buccleuch, who is one of Scotland's richest men.

It contains many valuable artworks and antiques, including works by Rembrandt and Holbein.

Richard Dalkeith, the earl of Dalkeith and the son of the Duke of Buccleuch, said his family was "shocked and dismayed" by the theft.

Speaking outside his home, he said: "This is a treasure that has been in my family for more than 250 years.

"It's the most beautiful work of art by one of the greatest painters in the world.

"It is a work of such peace and beauty and the thought of it being sort of torn away from us like this is very sad indeed. "

The painting hung in the staircase hall of the castle, an area open to the public.

The da Vinci work, which experts say was painted between 1500 and 1510, depicts the Madonna with the infant Jesus holding a cross-shaped yarnwinder.

It is said to symbolise the crucifixion of Jesus.

The castle is home to the Duke of Buccleuch

Police released descriptions of two men seen near the castle, which is about 17 miles north of Dumfries, at the time of the theft.

One was in his early 40s, 5ft 10in, clean shaven and of slim build.

He was wearing brown shoes, cream trousers with a black belt, a cream T-shirt, a brown Nubuck leather jacket, a brown baseball cap and round-framed glasses.

The other was in his late 40s, 5ft 10-11in, of slim build and clean shaven.

He was wearing black trousers, black shoes, a cream long-sleeved shirt, a sleeveless taupe safari-type jacket and a light cream wide-brimmed hat.

Drumlanrig Castle's art collection is on public display much of the year and other prized works include Rembrandt's Old Woman Reading and Holbein's portrait of Sir Nicholas Carew.

The valuable works of art are on display in the principal rooms and halls of the house.

The duke's art collection has been valued at £405m and he also has substantial income from his extensive estates.