[MSN] Da Vinci inquiry images released

[Museum Security Network Mailing list]

 Da Vinci inquiry images released
A fresh appeal has been made for public help with police inquiries into the
theft of the Leonardo da Vinci painting the Madonna with the Yarnwinder.

Images:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/7205514.stm


Police hope to identify a man caught on CCTV at Drumlanrig Castle before the
masterpiece was taken in August 2003.

They have also appealed for information about the owners of a car recovered
near the scene after the theft.

Last autumn police made a dramatic recovery of the painting and five people
were arrested.

Police said at the time their inquiries were continuing.

After detailed study of CCTV footage from the Dumfriesshire castle, which is
the home of the Duke of Buccleuch, police have now appealed for any
information about one man caught on camera.

Visitors sought

He was captured on screens on 15 August 2003 - the week before the painting,
said to be worth about £30m, was stolen.

He is described as being about 5ft 10in to 6ft tall, of slim build with dark
hair and a beard.

He was seen moving from the entrance of the castle through to its Douglas
Room.

Anybody who may have visited the castle around this time has been urged to
contact police.

They also want information about a blue Rover 600 car, registration number
N770 JLP.

Inquiries have so far established the car was bought at the end of March
2003 in the Greater Manchester area.

It was purchased by a man who claimed he was a car dealer and paid £1,200 in
cash for the vehicle.

Police said that between the time the car was bought and when it was found
hidden in a forest near the castle in November 2003 it had travelled about
4,000 miles.

The case featured on BBC1's Crimewatch programme on Wednesday night.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/720
5514.stm