A CCTV image has been released following the theft of a £6,300 painting from a Canterbury gallery.

Police want to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the released photo as they step up their efforts to track down the missing artwork.

The eye-catching piece was taken from Artique Galleries in the city's Marlowe Arcade at about 1.30pm last Thursday.

Despite measuring two metres in length, it was stolen in broad daylight.

The stolen artwork is an original named 'Gaining Altitude', painted by contemporary Canadian artist Danielle O'Connor Akiyama.

It is listed on Artique Galleries' website for £6,295.

The suspect is described as a white man, who was wearing a grey tracksuit and a black body warmer.

Anyone who has any information, or who knows of the artwork's location, is urged to call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/12636/22.