Tourists fled in fear after a shocking robbery at the world[1] famous Louvre in Paris forced the museum to shut.
A gang of “highly organised criminals” broke in and made off with millions of pounds-worth of jewellery once belonging to Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. French authorities confirmed the dramatic incident took place this morning as the museum opened. The French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, said there were no injuries during the robbery and that a police investigation was underway.
Sources close to the case claimed two men allegedly stole nine pieces from Napoleon and the Empress’ jewel collection, while another man kept watch, according to Le Monde[2]. These reportedly included a tiara, brooch, necklace and more.
AFP/Getty Images)
The group of hooded men allegedly gained access to the world famous building via construction work and used a freight lift to get into a room directly, in the Apollo Gallery.
The men smashed windows to get into the building while two went in to steal and one stayed outside to keep watch, according to Le Parisien[3].
The Louvre, the most visited museum in the world, confirmed it will be closed all day today due to “exceptional reasons”.
Dati, on X said: “A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum. No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum staff and the police. Observations are underway.”
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References
- ^ world (www.mirror.co.uk)
- ^ Le Monde (www.lemonde.fr)
- ^ Le Parisien (www.leparisien.fr)
- ^ Google News (news.google.com)
- ^ Flipboard (flipboard.com)
- ^ Apple News (apple.news)
- ^ Twitter (twitter.com)
- ^ Facebook (facebook.com)
- ^ The Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)