It is of “priceless” value the jewels which were stolen this morning from the Louvre museumsaid the French interior minister Laurent Nunez.

Based on the first data of the investigation, the incident occurred between 9:30 and 9:40 (local time, 10:30 and 10:40 Greek time). The attackers managed to enter the museum, located in the heart of Paris, and stole several art objects before fleeing, a source with knowledge of the case told AFP.

“An investigation has been launched and a detailed list of the stolen items is being drawn up. Apart from their commercial value, these objects have an inestimable value in terms of heritage and history,” the French interior ministry said in a statement.

As Nunez told French media, the robbers, “3 or 4” in number, acted within “7 minutes”.

They entered the Louvre using a mobile crane mounted on a van to manage to reach the “Apollo Hall”.

French newspaper Le Parisien reported that the attackers stole jewels from Napoleon’s collection.

The perpetrators were in possession of small chainsaws, according to a police source, while a motorcycle was located after they fled the scene.

The Paris prosecutor’s office announced that an investigation has been launched into the robbery.

A little earlier, the French Minister of Culture Rashida Dati had reported to X that there had been a “robbery” this morning during the opening of the Louvre museum.

“A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre museum. No injuries were reported. I am on the scene with the museum staff and the police. Investigations are ongoing,” Dati wrote.

“The Louvre museum will remain closed today (Sunday) for exceptional reasons,” X’s account said in a message also published in English.