Jack White signed guitar 'stolen'

A guitar signed by Jack White has been stolen from a private owner in East London.

BBC News reports that the black Fender Stratocaster, which bears the White Stripes frontman's signature, was taken from an art studio in Sara Lane Court, Hoxton.

The instrument has been estimated to be worth around £15,000 and was given to owner Paul Biver in lieu of payment for some work he had done.

"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," Biver, a set designer, explained.

"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."

It is believed that the robbery, in which a television and a computer were also taken, occurred between 8pm on January 23 and 9.30am the following day.

Police have described the guitar as rare, and urged anyone with information to get in touch.