Authorities have revealed how burglars managed to break into the Louvre as a 'major robbery' sees 'priceless' items stolen.
Shortly after opening this morning (Sunday, October 19), Paris police said thieves managed to carry out one of the most dramatic break-ins of the world-famous iconic museum in its history.
Founded in 1793, the Louvre contains numerous iconic pieces of artwork, including Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa', as well as various other archaeological artefacts from many periods throughout history.
In the wake of the shocking heist, the museum announced that it would close its doors today for 'exceptional reasons', while swarms of police could be seen descending on the area as museumgoers were evacuated from the building this morning.
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While the French authorities are yet to determine what exactly happened, details are continuing to emerge, including how the suspects appeared to gain access, how they got away and what they have reportedly taken from the vast exhibition.
What happened at the Louvre?
According to Le Parisien, masked men forced entry into the building from the side closest to the River Seine, where construction work is currently underway.
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It is reported that the criminal group of around three or four used a goods lift to get inside the Apollo Gallery at around 9.30am.
One of the men allegedly stood on watch while the rest carried out the theft.
While thankfully there have been no injuries, according to the BBC, the men are said to have used chainsaws and broken windows to get inside the ornate room.
The robbery took just a mere seven minutes from start to finish, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, as he said: "They broke a window and went towards several display cases where they stole jewellery. These are jewels that have genuine heritage value and are, in fact, priceless."
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Nuñez continued to say that the heist had been well-prepared and had previously surveyed the area, adding they'd cut window panes 'with a disc cutter'.
The burglars reportedly managed to take an eye-watering collection of jewels that were on display in the cases before getting away on motorbikes.
What items were stolen from the Louvre?
An exact figure for the stolen items is yet to be drawn up, as well as a precise list. However, the ministry says the jewels have an incalculable historical and cultural value beyond their monetary worth.
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Early reports indicate a necklace, a brooch and a tiara might have been among some of the nine items taken from the Napoleon and French Sovereigns display cases.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati told French news station TF1 that one item, a piece of jewellery, was found near the scene of the heist after having been dropped.
While it has not been officially reported what the item was, reports have said it was a crown belonging to Empress Eugénie, further claiming it had been damaged.
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The Gallery of Apollo displays the last of the country's historic crown jewels after most were sold or lost after the French Revolution.
It also contains three diamonds, known as the Regent, a 140-carat diamond, as well as the Sancy and the Hortensia, though these are believed to be safe.
The Parisian Public Prosecutor's Office has confirmed that an investigation into 'organised theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime' has been launched.
It also confirmed there has been a 'theft of jewellery' at the Louvre, with the damage also 'currently being assessed.'
Topics: Crime, France, World News, Art
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