Several ancient statues stolen from Syria's national museum

Thieves have broken into the national museum in the Syrian capital and stole several ancient statues dating back to the Roman era, officials say.

The National Museum of Damascus was temporarily closed after the heist was discovered on Monday, local time.

It is the country's largest museum which has invaluable antiquities that date back to Syria's long history.

After the war started, security was boosted with metal gates and surveillance cameras.

An official from Syria's Directorate-General for Antiquities and Museums told AP that six marble statues were stolen, adding that an investigation is ongoing.

Another official told AP that the theft occurred Sunday night and was discovered early Monday, when one of the doors at the classical department was found broken and several statues dati