Art thief: Police video shows man steal £100k black panther statue from Chelsea exhibition

A video has been released by police showing the moment a man stole a black panther statue worth more than £100,000 from an art show in London.

The CCTV footage, posted online by Metropolitan Police, shows the thief picking up the valuable antique before putting it under his jacket and walking off with it. The incident took place during the Masterpiece London art fair, which was held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, on 1 July.

The stolen antique, which measures 14cm high by 37cm wide, is a bronze sculpture of a black panther. It was created by François Pompon in 1925.

Detectives from Kensington & Chelsea CID now want to speak to this man in connection with the theft.

"We know he left in a taxi which dropped him at Appold Street at the junction with Primrose Street near Liverpool Street station. If you recognise the man or know of his whereabouts please contact police," Detective Constable Pete O'Brien said in a statement.

Metropolitan Police have asked anyone with information to contact Kensington & Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0237 or via 101. If they wish to remain anonymous, they have been asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.