Banksy artwork stolen as two men charged for London gallery burglary

The pair were charged with non-residential burglary and remanded in police custody.

Banksy's famous "Girl with Balloon" painting was the only item stolen from Grove Gallery on Sunday.

It has since been recovered and looks set to return to the gallery.

Fraser and Love appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The duo were bailed to next appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 9.

An investigation was quickly launched after a burglary was reported at a gallery in New Cavendish Street at 11pm on September 8.

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Footage from the incident showed one man battering the glass door until he forced entry into the gallery.

He collected the "Girl with Balloon" painting before quickly fleeing the scene.

Glass was left scattered across the floor but the painting was later seen wrapped up in "police evidence" wrapping.

The signature artwork is part of a series of paintings and stencils by the guerrilla artist.

A version of the painting was partially shredded after going under the hammer for more than £1million in 2018.

The mural was voted Britain's favourite piece of artwork in 2017.

However, the anonymous street artist first Banksy, painted the "Girl with the Balloon" onto the wall of a printing shop in Shoreditch in 2002.

Banksy's animal-themed erected on Rye Lane in Peckham was also stolen last month just hours after being put on display.