Lowry Art Thieves Horror

The Manchester Evening News reports that an art dealer and his family were subjected to a 'horrific' attack by knife-wielding thieves who stole art works by LS Lowry worth about £2m. The raiders tied up Ivan Aird at his home in Cheshire and threatened to kill his two-year-old daughter before making off with a number of paintings. Mr Aird, 41, is a leading collector of works by the Salford painter, who had been a family friend. The three robbers burst in when his wife Teresa, 40, opened the front door of their home in Stockport, believing it was the postman. Mr Aird, who was trussed up with cable, said later: "They burst through the door with a big knife and said they would kill our two-year-old daughter Sabrina, who was in my wife's arms." The raiders escaped from the house in Brackenwood Drive, Cheadle Hulme, with 10 paintings, including one formerly owned by legendary actor Sir Alec Guinness, and pencil sketches by the famous 'matchstick men' artist. Det Chief Insp Linda Reid, of Stockport CID, said: "This would appear to be a targeted attack by burglars who knew exactly what they were looking for. (For full source and article click the Headline). Irish Art