Thieves struck at a school fete to nab a rare print by Bristol street artist Banksy.

The picture of a leopard walking away from a barcode was taken from a Leicester Primary School.

It had been on the wall of head teacher David Godfrey's office when it was snatched on Saturday, June 20.

A school spokeswoman said: ''It may well have happened during the fete when we had visitors in the school.

''People were welcomed in but unfortunately it looks like someone left with the painting."

The value of the picture – which measures 2ft by 2ft – has not been revealed but it is believed to be worth several thousand pounds.

PC Richard Spivey, from Leicestershire police, said: "We would like to hear from anyone in the second-hand arts industry who has been offered a painting like this, or anyone who knows someone who has recently acquired a piece of artwork."

The theft comes after nine rare prints worth nearly £10,000 were stolen in two raids on a gallery earlier this month.

Six limited-edition pictures were taken in the first break-in after two white youths in hoodies smashed a window.

They returned four days later to swipe three more Banksy pieces.