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Ritz Paris robbery: Jewellery worth millions seized in armed heist | Ritz Paris robbery: Jewellery worth millions seized in armed heist |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Armed robbers have seized millions of euros worth of merchandise from a jewellery shop at the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris. | Armed robbers have seized millions of euros worth of merchandise from a jewellery shop at the famous Ritz Hotel in Paris. |
Five men armed with axes smashed a window at the shop inside the hotel at about 18:00 local time (19:00 GMT), French media report. | Five men armed with axes smashed a window at the shop inside the hotel at about 18:00 local time (19:00 GMT), French media report. |
Three men have been arrested, police said, while others remain on the run. | Three men have been arrested, police said, while others remain on the run. |
It is not clear whether any of the loot, estimated to be worth more than €4m (£3.5m), was recovered. | It is not clear whether any of the loot, estimated to be worth more than €4m (£3.5m), was recovered. |
The luxurious five-star Ritz is located in Place Vendôme, in Paris' historical first district on the right bank of the river Seine. The ministry of justice lies next door. | The luxurious five-star Ritz is located in Place Vendôme, in Paris' historical first district on the right bank of the river Seine. The ministry of justice lies next door. |
The hotel includes a gallery shopping area near its rear entrance, which it says hosts five shops and 95 "showcases", selling jewellery, watches and luxury clothing. | The hotel includes a gallery shopping area near its rear entrance, which it says hosts five shops and 95 "showcases", selling jewellery, watches and luxury clothing. |
Local newspaper Le Parisien, citing a police source, reports that the robbery was interrupted by an officer on patrol, but two people escaped on a motorised scooter. | Local newspaper Le Parisien, citing a police source, reports that the robbery was interrupted by an officer on patrol, but two people escaped on a motorised scooter. |
The city's police commissioner issued a statement on Twitter thanking officers for their quick reactions, which led to the arrest of three men. | The city's police commissioner issued a statement on Twitter thanking officers for their quick reactions, which led to the arrest of three men. |
Interior Minister Gérard Collomb also offered praise, saying they were "a credit to our police". | |
Eyewitnesses reported a heavy police presence in the area. | Eyewitnesses reported a heavy police presence in the area. |
One hotel employee told the AFP news agency: "We heard a loud noise and lots of racket in the street". | |
"Passers-by took refuge in the hotel. We didn't know what was going on until someone told us there had been a robbery." |