Hunt continues for thieves after priceless jewels stolen in heist at Louvre museum in Paris

Andrew Harding
Paris correspondent, at the scene

Image source, Getty Images

French police have sealed off access to the Louvre museum,
including one major road along the riverbank in front of it.

The focus of the investigation is on the south-east corner of the
building, overlooking the River Seine.

A large, extendable ladder is visible, the sort of thing you might see on a fire engine or roofing company’s
vehicle.

It is mounted onto a mechanised lift, the type used all around Paris to
deliver furniture to apartments on upper floors.

The top of the ladder touches a balcony, which appears to be
how the three thieves accessed one of the upper floors.

I have spoken to the mayor of the local area who can’t confirm whether the ladder was already there for maintenance work, or whether the thieves deliberately placed it there.

The area around is full of tourists milling about unable to
access the Louvre anymore on what is an overcast day.