Liam Woodbine's lighthouse painting, which was stolen from The Rumsey Wells pub in Norwich.

Art enthusiasts at a Norwich pub are appealing for information after a painting was stolen from their gallery.

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The Art In The Underbelly gallery is based below The Rumsey Wells pub, on St Andrew’s Street, and is currently running an exhibition entitled ‘Shop’.

The gallery has been running for around two years and has become a thriving hub for local artists. But last Friday night they had their first painting stolen, a picture of a lighthouse, pictured, by local artist Liam Woodbine.

The painting is worth around £50 and the gallery’s manager and curator, Luke Emery, 28, says they want it back.

He said: “In two years of exhibitions it’s the only time we’ve ever had any art stolen from Art in the Underbelly.

“We’ve got descriptions of a couple of people last seen handling it and we are hoping to get it back.”

A Norfolk Constabulary spokesman confirmed: “Police received a report of a theft that took place on Friday, February 17, at some point between 8pm and midnight at Art in the Underbelly on St Andrews Street.

“During the times stated, an acrylic painting of a lighthouse was removed from the wall of the gallery during an event there.”

The exhibition – which is running until Friday, March 30 – is showing artists who are now on sale at the gallery, handmade artworks such as T-shirts, bags and postcards.

Mr Emery added: “We don’t think this was a prank, we think it might have been someone who has had a bit to drink. We’re just hoping they didn’t get guilty on their way home and chuck it in a ditch somewhere.

“We’re hopeful that we’ll get it back.”

Anyone who has information about the theft should contact Norwich police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Have you got a story for the Evening News? Contact David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk