A 60-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with the theft of paintings from a house in Penrith.
Artist Hilda May Lee died in a fire at her home in Willow Close on January 24.
Her daughter Margaret was sorting through her possessions and was unable to find many of the watercolours she had painted and reported it to the police.
Today, a spokesman from Cumbria police said: “Followed a police investigation into the reported theft of property from a residential premises in the Carleton area of Penrith, a 60-year-old woman from Penrith was arrested yesterday on suspicion of theft.
“She has been released under investigation. Enquiries are ongoing. “
Earlier this year, Margaret appealed for people to come forward with information.
“My mother was a fantastic artist, winning many competitions with her entries,” said Margaret.
“She was passionate and protective over her work. It has been heartbreaking for the family to find that several of her precious original watercolour paintings are missing from her home.”
A substantial cash reward for help in finding her mother’s missing paintings was offered.
Last night, Eden police said they had assisted a Penrith response in searching a vehicle and a house and made an arrest in relation to artwork which had allegedly been stolen.
“We’re pleased to have returned this to the owner,” Eden police said.
Margaret said three original framed watercolour paintings, signed HM Lee, were still missing. They include two black fell ponies, poppies and a lake scene.
