Six people have been arrested over the theft of a Banksy artwork from the Bataclan concert hall in Paris.

The mural by the British street artist was found at a farmhouse in central Italy earlier this month – nearly 18 months after it was taken.

A judicial source said two of those arrested were under formal investigation on suspicion of theft, while the other four were suspected of concealing theft.

Thieves are believed to have used portable grinders to remove the fire-exit door on which the mural was painted.

Italian media reported that they then used a van to transport the artwork, which shows a veiled female figure staring mournfully downwards.

One of Paris’ best-known rock venues, the Bataclan was stormed by militants during a concert in November 2015 as part of coordinated attacks around the city, which left 130 people dead.

Staff described Banksy‘s work as a “symbol of recollection” and expressed their profound sadness when it was taken.

The street artist, who chooses not to reveal his real identity, recently unveiled a new image inspired by the death of George Floyd in Minneoapolis, USA.

It shows the scene of a vigil with a candle setting the American flag on fire and was posted with the caption: “At first I thought I should just shut up and listen to black people about this issue. But why would I do that? It’s not their problem, it’s mine.”