Summary

  • The Louvre museum in Paris is closed after a heist this morning

  • The French interior ministry says a number of people broke into the Apollo Gallery via a mechanised lift and took jewels

  • The thieves are said to have been carrying small chainsaws and escaped on a scooter

  • Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez says the items taken are of 'incalculable' value

  • No injuries were reported and an investigation is under way, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati says

  1. Louvre says museum shut today 'for exceptional reasons'published at 10:22 BST 19 October

    The Louvre museum is closed amid preparations for the Olympic Opening Ceremony in ParisImage source, Reuters

    The Louvre Museum has posted on its official X account to say it "will remain closed today for exceptional reasons."

    It is not yet clear what, if anything, has been taken from the museum.

  2. French culture minister says police investigating Louvre robberypublished at 10:19 BST 19 October

    French Culture Minister Rachida DatiImage source, Reuters

    France's culture minister confirmed there had been a robbery at the Louvre in Paris - one of the world's most famous museums.

    "No injuries to report," Rachida Dati writes on social media.

    "I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations under way."

  3. Robbery at Louvre museum in central Paris, minister sayspublished at 10:16 BST 19 October
    Breaking

    There has been a robbery at the famous Louvre museum in central Paris, according to the French culture minister.

    Stay with us as we bring you more on this developing news.