POLICE are hunting a man with an unfinished tattoo after he used a stolen accordion as a down-payment for the artwork.

The musical instrument was stolen from outside the T-Mobile shop in Bridge Street, Evesham, from busker Richard Adey on Friday, July 9.

Despite an immediate search of the area, the offer of a reward and widespread publicity, there was no trace of the distinctive Scandalli accordion, which had been specially made to Mr Adey’s specifications.

But last week, an eagle-eyed member of the public spotted the item for sale on a popular auction website and alerted police.

The instrument was then recovered from Skintone tattoo shop in Pershore, where it had been left as part payment for an unfinished tattoo.

Mr Adey said he was overjoyed at the recovery and hoped to be reunited with his prized possession later this week.

He thanked police for their help and the people of Evesham for the messages of support he received, including the offer of an accordion from an anonymous townsperson.

The renowned musician hopes to continue busking in the town in the run-up to Christmas, when he can personally thank people for their support.

Police are now trying to trace the man who left the instrument behind under a false name.

He is described as white, aged between 25 and 35, thin, taller than 6ft and with a local accent.

His incomplete tattoo features two wolves, a larger one on the upper arm and a smaller one going down the arm to below the elbow.

Anyone who believes they can help identify the man should call police on 0300 3333000, quoting incident number 204S/090710.