by by Helen Fairley

A brazen art thief snatched a large painting of Keith Richards from a nightclub wall.

The piece of art, worth around £7,500, was taken from the wall of Mu Mu nightclub in Week Street, Maidstone.

The theft happened between 7pm on Saturday, October 3 and 2.30am the following day as clubbers socialised at the popular night spot.

CCTV captured two men, one dressed in a red shirt and trousers, acting suspiciously.

The one-metre square picture, which was hanging in the burlesque area, was spotted being taken from the wall and into the toilets. It is believed it was then ripped from its frame and rolled up.

The painting, which was done around six months ago, was one of a few originals in the club by artist Jeff Meades, who was a member of The Rolling Stone’s crew for around 20 years and travelled the globe with the rock stars.

Mr Meades, who also works as an interior designer, was the creative brains behind the unique style of Mu Mu and when he designed the club he peppered his own works throughout.

He said: "Each booth is named after the person whose picture hangs in it. That was the Keith Richards booth but now it is the nobody booth.

"I am more hurt by the fact that someone would think it was OK to just walk in and take the picture than I am by the loss of it.

"It seems like such a strange thing to do. There is masses of security in there and cameras cover the whole club."

Mr Meades, whose work is exhibited at the Four Blank Walls studio in Week Street, said he was confident the police would catch the offender.

If you have any information about the theft call police on 01622 690055.