Gold jewellery which dates back as far as 1,500BC was stolen from the British Museum, as an independent review of security is carried out.
In the museum's biggest breach of security in recent times, valuable items including semi-precious stones and glass were taken from a store room.
The Metropolitan Police’s Economic Crime Command is now set to launch a review of security after the theft.
The missing items date from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.
The Metropolitan Police’s Economic Crime Command is now set to launch a review of security after the theft
PAGeorge Osborne, the former chancellor who is now chairman of the British museum, said the museum would do “whatever it takes” to improve security and recover the stolen items.
The museum said in a statement: “The majority of the items in question were small pieces kept in a storeroom belonging to one of the museum’s collections.
"They include gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.
"None had recently been on public display, and they were kept primarily for academic and research purposes.”
Osborne added: “The Trustees of the British Museum were extremely concerned when we learnt earlier this year that items of the collection had been stolen.
"The Trustees have taken decisive action to deal with the situation, working with the team at the Museum.
“We called in the police, imposed emergency measures to increase security, set up an independent review into what happened and lessons to learn, and used all the disciplinary powers available to us to deal with the individual we believe to be responsible.
“Our priority is now threefold: first, to recover the stolen items; second, to find out what, if anything, could have been done to stop this; and third, to do whatever it takes, with investment in security and collection records, to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
George Osborne, the former chancellor who is now chairman of the British museum, said the museum would do 'whatever it takes' to improve security and recover the stolen items
PA"This incident only reinforces the case for the reimagination of the Museum we have embarked upon. It’s a sad day for all who love our British Museum, but we’re determined to right the wrongs and use the experience to build a stronger Museum.”
It is thought the goods were stolen over a “significant” period of time dating back before the start of 2023.
An independent review will be led by Sir Nigel Boardman, a former museum trustee, and Lucy D’Orsi, Chief Constable of the British Transport Police.
It will review recommendations regarding future security arrangements and will also “kickstart a vigorous programme to recover the missing items”.