Axe gang in £4million gems raid at Paris Ritz
ARMED robbers stole at least £4million worth of jewellery during a raid at the Ritz Hotel in Paris last night.
The gang, wearing ski masks, opened fire as they stormed a jewellery store inside the luxury hotel at around 6.30pm.
After smashing open glass cases with axes and filling bags full of jewellery, the thieves fled just as police arrived.
One witness said: ‘shots from what sounded like a handgun were heard. There were fears a terrorist attack was going on, but it soon became clear it was a robbery.
‘As they tried to get away, police officers arrived, and three of the robbers were pulled to the ground and arrested.
‘Two others got out the back door of the hotel and were seen running away and then getting on mopeds.’ Police said that no one was injured in the raid.
One tourist said: ‘My parents and I were sitting at the Hemingway bar in the Ritz and we were about to leave when we heard shouting from the bartenders to get down We heard at least ten rounds of gunfire so everyone dived behind the bar.
‘We heard shouting and screaming from right outside the door.’
The hotel is located beside the French Ministry of Justice, which is guarded by armed soldiers around the clock.
Paris is notorious for dramatic, high-end armed robberies, with many taking place around five- star hotels such as the Ritz.