The stolen Lowry paintings were valued at about �25,000 each

They arrested a 48-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated burglary following an investigation into the disappearance of 72 paintings, worth a total of �1.6 million.

The art works were stolen on January 16 from an undisclosed address in south Northamptonshire, where they were being stored by their owner.

"It is believed the bulk of the stolen paintings have been recovered," said a spokesman for Northamptonshire police.

Forensic examination

The Lowry works - valued at up to �250,000 each - are Gateposts in the Snow, The Chapel, A Corner Shop, People on the Promenade and Street Scene.

Most of the rest of the paintings are 18th and 19th Century works by skilled amateur English artists.

The recovered paintings were due to be transported to Northampton on Thursday to be examined by forensic experts.

The suspect was due to be questioned by detectives in Daventry.

Three men from Cumbria, Bolton and Lancashire were interviewed in January and March as part of the nationwide investigation into the burglary and released on police bail until August pending further inquiries.