A SCRUFFY man walked into an upmarket Winchester art gallery and walked out with a bronze sculpture, valued at £2,900.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the theft at the Minster Gallery on Great Minster Street between 12.30pm and 12.40pm on Monday, October 24.

No payment was made and no authority was given for the man to remove the sculpture.

The suspect was described as white with a dishevelled look, average height, aged between 30-40 years, of average build, with short dark hair, and his front teeth missing.

He was described as wearing a large, dark, long sleeve coat, and jeans.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident, or noticed a man matching this description acting suspiciously in the area, near The Square, at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting 44160401602, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.