The lifeless woman they had been trying to save was an art installation entitled ‘Kristina’ which is on display at the London gallery. The work was commissioned by Banksy’s former agent, Steve Lazarides, who is also the dealer behind Laz Emporium.

Mr Lazarides said: “Hannah who was working in the gallery that day had just locked up and gone upstairs to make a cup of tea. She came down to find the door off its hinges and two confused police officers!”

London’s Metropolitan Police were responding to a call about a “person in distress” at the art gallery. After forcing entry, they discovered the person was just a mannequin.

The sculpture by American artist Mark Jenkins, is based on Mr Lazarides’ sister, and features a woman wearing trainers and a yellow hoody, with her face in a bowl of soup, covered by long blonde hair.

This is not the first time the installation, which appears in the gallery window, has caused problems. Apparently, paramedics have also previously been called to assist the woman.