Two men have been charged after a Banksy artwork was stolen from a central London art gallery, the Met Police has said.
An investigation was launched after a burglary at a gallery on New Cavendish Street at about 23:00 GMT on Sunday.
The work, “Girl with Balloon”, was the only item stolen and has since been recovered.
Larry Fraser, 47, of Evelyn Denington Road, Beckton, and James Love, 53, of Elvin Drive, North Stifford, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, a Met spokesperson said.
The pair are set to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 9 October.
Grove Gallery on New Cavendish Street held an exhibition called Banksy’s London Rebellion from 21 August to 7 September which featured the artist’s works.
A virtual tour on the gallery’s website shows the “Girl with Balloon” piece featured at their entrance.
The “Girl with Balloon” artwork is part of a series of paintings and stencils by the guerrilla artist.
One version was partially shredded after going under the hammer for more than £1m in 2018.
The piece was voted the nation’s favourite artwork in 2017 in a poll of 2,000 people.
