A prominent expert in recovering stolen works of art has told Sky News it was "a matter of time" before the Louvre was targeted - and UK museums could be next.

Christopher Marinello says gangs have been emboldened to strike because "law enforcement has been driven into the ground".

And while headlines have focused on thieves making off with priceless jewellery from an iconic French institution, he warns this problem isn't confined to Paris .

He said: "There are gangs operating all over Europe and not enough is being done to stop them … this was only a matter of time, they've been hitting small museums.

"If they can hit the Louvre successfully, they can hit anything. Do you know how many museums there are in the UK?"

Image: Christopher Marinello investigates art theft the police

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