Has a missing Caravaggio painting been found in an attic?

Someone in France may have unintentionally been holding onto a long-lost painting that could be worth millions.

The homeowners reportedly found the work of art in a wall inside the attic of a home in Toulouse.

Experts think it might be an original Caravaggio that went missing in the 17th century.

They believe it could be the mysterious Judith and Holofernes that was painted between 1600 and 1610.

It's said to be another version of Caravaggio's more famous painting Judith Beheading Holofernes painted between 1598 and 1599, which is on display in Rome.

The Culture Ministry of France is detaining the painting until it can be authenticated. If authenticated, it could be worth £80 million.

Eric Turquin, a French art expert, said: "the third expert I met told me that it was not only a Caravaggio, but also a masterpiece."

He added: "Judith Beheading Holofernes' must be considered the most important painting, by far, to have emerged in the last 20 years by one of the great masters."

According to Sky News, French authorities have granted the painting 'National Treasure' status.

This means that the painting is not allowed to be exported for at least 30 months.

It's thought the attic where the painting was found was suffering from a leak and that part of the painting may have fallen victim to water damage.