Two signed Damien Hirst artworks, worth an estimated GBP 33,000 (US $54,136), have been stolen from an upmarket gallery in central London in a targeted raid, police have said.



According to reports from Scotland Yard, the thieves forced entry into the Exhibitionist Gallery in Blenheim Crescent, Notting Hill, between 3am and 3.30am on Monday morning (December 9), where they removed two artworks and escaped in a hatchback-type vehicle.



“It appears the suspect has specifically targeted the two pieces,” said detective sergeant Jon Lightfoot, of London's Metropolitan Police.



“The items would have been visible in the back of the car and we are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward.”



The stolen paintings, called Pyronin Y and Oleoylsarcosine, each depict a series of multi-coloured dots on blank canvas and are worth approximately GBP 15,000 (US $24,607) and GBP 18,000 (US $29,529) respectively.



At the time of the theft, the artworks were being exhibited at the Exhibitionist Gallery in Notting Hill, a venue known for housing works by famed artists such as Warhol and Banksy.



"We think we were specifically targeted because on Monday we're closed, and they went for the specific paintings,” Nathan Engelbreght, gallery manager, told BBC News.



“There were other Hirst works and other big-named artists downstairs [that were not touched],” he added.



Damien Hirst was awarded the Turner Prize in 1995 and has since gained the European record for the most expensive work of art sold by a living artist, selling Lullaby Spring in 2007 for US $19.2 million.



Police are currently examining CCTV footage and asking for anyone with information on the robbery to get in contact.