‘Precious’ jewels stolen in Paris Louvre museum raid

The search is on for a group of thieves who raided the Louvre in Paris in broad daylight and stole precious jewels.

French Interior Minister Laurent Núñez said it took masked suspects just minutes to carry out the robbery on Sunday morning, shortly after the museum opened to visitors.

The gang appears to have used a mechanical ladder to gain access to a first-floor window before smashing a display case and escaping on motorcycles.

The targeted gallery is where French royal jewels are displayed. Officials said nine items were seized. Madame Napoleon’s crown was found nearby, apparently having fallen.

The Louvre was evacuated and closed on Sunday.

The French Interior Ministry said the jewelry was stolen from the Galeria d’Apollon (Apollo Gallery) around 09:30 local time (GMT).

French media reported that the thieves used small chainsaws to gain access to the building. A government minister said three or four people were involved.

An extendable ladder mounted on the vehicle was seen extending up to a window very close to the Seine River, which appears to have been left behind by the gang.

No one was injured in the incident.

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati said one object was found near the museum, which appeared to have been dropped during the escape.

Several French media reported that the crown was that of Empress Eugenie from the 19th century, adding that it had been broken.

The ornate crown features a golden eagle and is covered with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, according to the Louvre website.

Nuñez described the stolen items as having immeasurable cultural and historical value in addition to their commercial value, being “priceless” and “inestimable heritage value.”

Police were seen turning tourists away from the world’s most visited museum throughout Sunday as people continued to arrive unaware of the closure and investigation.

American tourists Jim Carpenter and Joan Carpenter said they were about to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa when security “sweeped us out of the gallery”.

Mrs Carpenter told Reuters the couple left through the emergency exit through the Galeria d’Apollon.

Mr Carpenter said there was “a lot of chaos” at the museum and security guards said there were “technical difficulties” when the couple asked what was going on.

“I knew something was happening because of the way they swept through the museum,” Mrs Carpenter said.

Mr Carpenter added: “But it’s great. Today is the last day of the long trip and that’s the most exciting part of the day.”