£12K painting stolen from hotel

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6963178.stm

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A painting by one of Northern Ireland's most illustrious artists has been stolen from a County Down hotel.

The oil painting by Brian Ballard, entitled Holywood Harbour, was discovered missing from the five-star Culloden Hotel on Thursday morning.

It is estimated to be worth between £10,000 and £12,000.

Police have appealed for anyone offered the painting for sale "in dubious circumstances" to contact them.

The theft is believed to have taken place in the past two weeks.

The hotel overlooking Belfast Lough has been a luxury retreat for many visiting stars in recent months, including Bill Murray, Heather Graham, John McEnroe and several Manchester United players.