Police are investigating a £41,000 art fraud against a Cockermouth gallery.

Officers from Cumbria police are trying to trace two artworks by Frank Auerbach, which were falsely bought from the gallery.

The were To The Studios, which is valued at £29,000, and Portrait of GB, which is valued at £12,000.

A spokesman for the force said a man contacted the gallery in February to buy the pieces and bought them using fraudulent card details.

The pieces were collected and taken to an address in Manchester. The art is now missing.

Officers are appealing for information about the purchase and the identity of the person who made the transaction, along with details of the whereabouts of the paintings.

A spokesman Castlegate Gallery confirmed that it was the business targeted.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC 2483 Chestney of Cumbria police on 101, quoting incident 60 of February 22.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.