A WOMAN has been reunited with a valuable Hornel painting which was stolen by bogus photographers from her home in Glasgow last Wednesday.
The 98-year-old had been duped into parting with the painting after two men gained access to her home in St Andrews Drive, Pollokshields, and offered to have it cleaned and returned the same day.
It is by renowned Scottish artist EA Hornel and was at first thought to be worth #11,500 but was later valued at #40,000. A courier returned the painting to the lady's home on Tuesday afternoon but no explanation was given as to where it came from.
The delighted lady contacted the police who, in turn, arranged for a local expert to examine the painting and confirm it was the original and that it had not been cleaned or restored by the thieves.
Detective Sergeant Douglas Stevenson, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said yesterday: ''It is apparent this painting was stolen to order by those who specialise in this type of crime.
''I have no doubt the media coverage during the initial stages of this investigation contributed greatly to the return of the painting, making it virtually impossible for the thieves to sell.
''The lady is delighted to be re-united with the painting, which has been with her family for the past 80 years.
''She is grateful that the bogus photographers did not destroy it once they realised it became 'too hot to handle' due to media interest, and that it was returned intact to her home.
''Security has been upgraded since the incident and the lady has been given sound advice in regard to bogus callers.''
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