Artist Arne Quinze who took more than 2 years to make the work, told Euronews he was stunned and devastated because he had invested so much – both financially and artistically in its creation.

“When it was finished I remember the team went silent. Not just because they were proud but because of the feeling created by the piece. The piece made us,” he said. “It’s impossible to make that piece again.”

“Now it’s a race. Like every piece of art it’s impossible to sell so they will melt it down for the gold,” he added.

Police were on the scene within around five minutes, according to a spokesman for the artist, but were unable to recover the work despite a long car chase.

The artwork, which was originally made in Belgium as part of a collaboration with precious metals manufacturer Heimerle+Meule has toured the world, passing through China, the US and France before returning to its homeland.

The scene of the crime