A guitar signed by former White Stripes star Jack White has been stolen from an art studio in East London.

The instrument, a Fender Stratocaster worth £15,000, was taken from owner Paul Biver's Old Street studio on January 23 between the hours of 8pm and 9.30am the next day.

Biver, 37, had been given the guitar by a friend after helping with a restoration project.

"A friend of mine collects rock memorabilia and had asked me to help transform his barge but then ran out of money, so I asked if I could have the guitar as payment," he told BBCNews.

"That was three years ago so obviously it has just increased in value since then. I don't normally store it in my design studio but was making a case for it so was gutted when I realised it had been taken."

A computer and TV were also taken during the robbery. Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward to help with their inquiries.

(by Jason Gregory)