The Edvard Munch masterpieces, The Scream and Madonna, have been recovered two years after their theft, Oslo police announced today.

Police in Norway denied a report today saying Edvard Munch’s stolen masterpieces The Scream and Madonna had been burned by thieves fearing police were closing in on them.

Three works of art by Norwegian master Edvard Munch – including a unique watercolour entitled Blue Dress – were recovered today, less than 24-hours after thieves stole them from the walls of a restaurant, police said.

One of two paintings by Edvard Munch stolen earlier this year was seriously damaged.

A nationwide hunt was under way today for armed thieves who forced their way into a lightly guarded Oslo museum and ripped the Edvard Munch masterpiece The Scream and another painting from the wall as stunned visitors watched in shock.