POLICE in Southampton want to trace the owner of this unusual painting.

Detectives recovered the rolled-up picture from a vehicle used by a suspected burglar and have good reason to believe it has been stolen. Now officers have turned to the Daily Echo in a bid to trace the picture's rightful owner.

The colourful canvas, an original, is currently being stored in the property office at Southampton Central police station.

Investigating officer DC Paul Wright, of Southampton Central police, said the distinctive picture was similar to the famous "Scream" painting but far more colourful. Painted in 1893 by Norwegian artist Edward Munch, the world-renowned Scream now hangs in the National Gallery in Oslo.

The mystery painting's owner can contact DC Wright at Southampton Central police station on 0845 045 4545.