A solid gold toilet worth £4.8 million has been stolen from Blenheim Palace in an extraordinary heist.
The theft took place in the early hours of Saturday, September 14, and police believe a gang of thieves using at least two vehicles were responsible.
The 18-carat gold toilet was part of an exhibition by artist Maurizio Cattelan being held at the stately Oxfordshire home of the Duke of Marlborough. The piece of art, entitled America, was the show’s centrepiece and was ripped from a wood-panelled room and removed from site.
Thames Valley police have arrested two men in connection with the theft, which they say caused “significant damage and flooding” as the toilet was plumbed into the building. Both men have since been released on bail.
Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: “We are following a number of lines of inquiry and there will continue to be a police presence in and around the area of Blenheim Palace while our investigations continue. We are making every effort to locate the offenders and the toilet that was stolen.”