Detectives hunting art robbers who struck in York three months ago today warned: it could be a long haul.

Officers are still assigned to the investigation into the robbery at York City Art Gallery on January 22, in which two masked and armed men tied up staff and stole 20 paintings worth more than a million pounds.

They are continuing to follow up snippets of information which are still being passed on by members of the public.

But Detective Inspector Phil Metcalfe, leading the inquiry, admitted today: "There has not yet been any major breakthrough." He said police had never anticipated solving the mystery in double-quick time.

"We thought it would be a long-term inquiry. But as long as information continues to come in, we will continue the investigation." He said further contact had been made with colleagues on the Continent in an effort to discover whether the paintings had turned up overseas.

A £20,000 reward has been offered by City of York Council and insurers for the safe return of the paintings, with another £5,000 reward put up by the Evening Press for the return of the artworks and the conviction of the thieves.

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