Tourists fled in fear after a shocking robbery at the world famous Louvre in Paris forced the museum to shut.

A gang of "highly organised criminals" broke in and made off with millions of pounds-worth of jewellery once belonging to Napoleon and Josephine Bonaparte. French authorities confirmed the dramatic incident took place this morning as the museum opened. Sources close to the case claimed two men allegedly stole nine pieces from Napoleon and the Empress' jewel collection, while another man kept watch.

These reportedly included a tiara, brooch, necklace and more.

The group of hooded men allegedly gained access to the world famous building via construction work and used a freight lift to get into a room directly, in the Apollo Gallery, according to Le Parisien .

The men smashed

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