A robbery at the Louvre sent tourists fleeing & forced the museum to shut after a gang of ‘highly organised criminals’ broke in and reportedly stole jewels belonging to Napoleon
Tourists fled in fear after a shocking robbery at the world 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. 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.
These reportedly included a tiara, brooch, necklace and more.
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.
The Louvre, the most visited museum in the world, confirmed it will be closed all day today due to “exceptional reasons”.
The French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, said there were no injuries during the robbery and that a police investigation was underway.
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.”
After being crowned Emperor and Empress of France in 1804, Napoleon and Josephine amassed one of the most sumptuous jewellery collections ever.
Many of the pieces were stolen from Royalty during the French Revoltion, while others were amassed from around the Empire.
This is a breaking news story. Follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , Twitter , Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.