18ct golden toilet stolen from Blenheim Palace

An 18ct golden toilet has been stolen from Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley Police is investigating the burglary of the ‘piece of art’ and originally received a report of the robbery at the palace at 4.57am on 14 September 2019.

A 66-year-old man was arrested in connection with this incident, but was later released on police bail. Police are still searching for the toilet and said there will be a continued police presence in and around the palace while the search continues.

The functioning toilet was part of an exhibition by artist Italian Maurizio Cattelan.

No-one was injured during the burglary.

Detective inspector, Jess Milne, said: “The piece of art that has been stolen is a high value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace. Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding.

“We believe a group offenders used at least two vehicles during the offence. The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice.”