Munch's masterpieces stolen
Several armed thieves entered the Munch Museum in Oslo on Sunday and took the world-famous masterpieces "Skrik" and "Madonna" by force. Police are currently combing the capital for the criminals.
"I can confirm that the paintings "Skrik" (Scream) and "Madonna" have been stolen from the Munch Museum by two armed criminals, darkly dressed. The two were seen running down Tøyengata from the museum to a waiting car that had its motor running," head of crime operations at Oslo police, Kjell Pedersen told Aftenposten's web edition.
"There were many witnesses to the robbery. Several of the witnesses are naturally reacted strongly to what they have seen. One woman has been driven to emergency in shock. We have mobilized all available resources, on the ground and in the air," Pedersen said.
One of the employees at the Munch Museum café told Aftenposten's Internet edition that she saw two men walking with the two paintings held between them.
One of the criminals reportedly threatened one of the museum staff with a revolver to the temple.
"We saw a man with a hood over his head run through the gallery," two young Czech tourists told Aftenposten's web edition. "Three of the museum's security guards were lying on the floor," Markita Ogojová said.
An 80-year-old woman visiting the museum saw two men with "revolvers" running through the building.
"Did I feel threatened? I am the calm type," the elderly lady laughed.
The robbers were masked, threatened staff with a pistol and escaped from the scene in an Audi A6.
Via Aftenposten News in English.
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