Banksy tribute to Bataclan dead stolen from Paris concert hall

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Thieves have cut out and escaped with an artwork by Banksy which the celebrated street artist had painted on an exit door of the Bataclan music hall in central Paris in tribute to the 90 people who were killed there in a terrorist attack by gunmen during a concert in November 2015. 

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An artwork by the British artist Banksy painted as a tribute to the victims of the 2015 terror attack at the Bataclan music hall in Paris has been stolen, reports BBC News.

The work, which depicted a young female figure with a mournful expression, was cut out and removed from one of the emergency doors at the venue.

"We are today filled with a deep sense of indignation," the Bataclan tweeted.

In November 2015, 90 people were killed when armed militants targeted the venue during a rock concert.

"Banksy's work, a symbol of recollection and belonging to all: locals, Parisians, citizens of the world, has been taken from us," the Bataclan wrote in a statement posted on Twitter.

The theft, which occurred overnight on Friday, involved "a group of hooded individuals armed with angle grinders", AFP news agency reports, citing a source close to the investigation.

The suspects then reportedly drove away with the artwork in a truck.

Banksy's art has become extremely popular and sought-after. A piece of his work which appeared on a garage in the UK was recently sold privately for a "six-figure sum".

Last October, Banksy made headlines after one of his paintings was sold for more than £1m at auction by Sotheby's in London - and then immediately shredded itself.

Banksy is a famous - but anonymous - British graffiti artist. He keeps his identity a secret.

He produces pieces of work which pop up in public places, such as on the walls of buildings. A lot of his art is done in a particular style which people can easily recognise.

Read more of this report from BBC News.

 

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