Louvre museum in Paris closed after robbery

The Louvre is one of the world's most famous museums

The Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed following a robbery, France's culture minister says.

Rachida Dati wrote on X that the robbery happened on Sunday morning as the museum was opening. She said she was at the site, where police are investigating

The museum confirmed it was closing for the day "for exceptional reasons," without providing further details.

French media reports say jewellery has been stolen, after three masked men reportedly used a freight lift under renovation to access the Apollo Gallery, where what remains of France's crown jewels are kept. The gallery is on the side of the River Seine.

The thieves are said to have broken windows to gain entry before escaping on motor scooters. They also had chainsaws. The value of the stolen items is not yet known.

The Louvre is the world's most visited museum and houses many of the world's most famous artworks and treasures.