POLICE investigating the theft of three works of art worth £1m from the Whitworth Gallery in Manchester say a number of paintings have been found behind a public toilet.

Greater Manchester Police were tipped off by an anonymous caller shortly after 2am on Monday morning.

They have now been taken to the gallery to be protected from further damage and will be verified by an expert later.

The watercolour paintings -- by Picasso, Van Gogh and Gauguin -- were part of a haul worth over £1m.