CCTV Appeal following theft of hat from exhibition

Clarification: Following a request from The Atkinson gallery and museum, Merseyside Police needs to clarify that the item stolen was a hat used in a theatre production of a Roald Dahl book and not, as earlier stated, a hat belonging to the author himself. The hat was on loan to the gallery by the theatre in the West Midlands putting on the show and not from another museum. The original appeal was issued in good faith based on information provided to Merseyside Police at the time the crime was reported.

Merseyside Police has issued CCTV of man they believe could help them with their investigation into the theft of a hat, which belonged to author Roald Dahl, from an exhibition in Southport.

The dark purple hat, which was on loan from another museum, went missing from a display at the Atkinson gallery on Lord Street at around 11am on Saturday 2 July.

Officers have released an image of a man who they believe could help them with their enquiries.

The male is described as approximately 60 years of age, balding with grey hair at the sides. He was believed to be carrying a number of bags.

Officers would ask the man himself, or anyone who recognises the picture or has any information about the whereabouts of the hat, to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 3780 or the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.