Thieves steal 'Belgium's only painting by Michelangelo worth £89 million'

Thieves have stolen a painting believed to be the only one by Michelangelo in Belgium, just days before it was due to have its authenticity confirmed by experts.

The striking picture, which was being stored at the St Ludgerus church in the small Flemish town of Zele under pastor Jan Van Raemdonck, was taken on Friday last week, according to the Daily Mail.

The biblical scene of Mary with the Baby Jesus had been languishing in the church for the last 16 years after it was donated by a parishioner. 

But after noticing it tucked away in a darkened corner of his church, Van Raemdonck decided to give it a more prominent position and even called in specialists from Italy to have it verified as a work of Michelangelo. 

Van Raemdonck said he suspected it may have been painted by the master after noticing a sketch of a similar scene by Michelangelo in the Duke of Portland's collection - which was recently exhibited.

He believes it could be worth anything up to £89 if it was officially authenticated as a work of Michelangelo.