FBI offering $25,000 for stolen Warhol paintings

The FBI is calling for the public's help in trying to track down Andy Warhol paintings that were stolen from the Springfield Art Museum in Missouri last week.

Seven of Warhol's famous 'Campbell's Soup' paintings, which belonged to a series of 10, were taken from their hooks in the early morning of 7 April.

The FBI is offering $25,000 for help in tracking down the thieves. Local artist Pam Rubert says she can't believe such a heist would take place in Springfield.

Rubert said: "Its scary someone would steal the art- but in some way, its kind of a validation of the value of art and people around Springfield are becoming more aware of the value of art."

The set of 10 paintings are estimated to be worth some $500,000 and are arguably some of Warhol's best known works. They have been owned by the museum since 1985.

Although the museum has video surveillance and security guards it hasn't been announced whether any footage of the thieves was captured.

A tweet from the Springfield Art Museum was posted on Friday saying: "Ongoing investigation at the Museum. We are open. The Pop exhibit is closed. Thank you for your concern and support."

In a statement on their website, the museum's director, Nick Nelson, said: "The museum is working with the proper authorities and being proactive in our security efforts as we remain open to the public.

"We are confident that the measures we taking will protect the museum's treasures, while still making art accessible to our community."