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Three Lowry works stolen in raid Three Lowry works stolen in raid
(about 2 hours later)
Fifteen valuable paintings, including three by LS Lowry, have been stolen on a raid on a newly opened art gallery. Fifteen valuable paintings, including three by LS Lowry, have been stolen in a raid on a newly opened art gallery.
Thieves smashed the front window of the Clark Art Gallery in Hale, Greater Manchester using a drain cover.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.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.Three men aged 18 to 25 were seen to drive away from the gallery early on Wednesday, a police spokesman said.
'Targeted paintings''Targeted paintings'
"It is devastating to have this happen after one week's trading," said Mr Clark."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 thieves have targeted paintings and drawings by LS Lowry, Helen Bradley and Sir Terry Frost."
The stolen Lowry paintings are Industrial Scene, Industrial Scene with Figures 1949 and Two Women and Children 1950.The stolen Lowry paintings are Industrial Scene, Industrial Scene with Figures 1949 and Two Women and Children 1950.
Det Con Neil Rothwell said: "They are all extremely distinctive paintings and it is likely the offenders may approach known dealers to sell them."Det Con Neil Rothwell said: "They are all extremely distinctive paintings and it is likely the offenders may approach known dealers to sell them."