The British Museum in London has sacked a member of staff and police are investigating after treasures were reported “missing, stolen or damaged”.
Items including gold, jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones were among those missing from the museum, one of the UK’s largest tourist attractions.
He added: “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.”
The museum’s independent review will be led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, of British Transport Police.
Sir Nigel said: “It will be a painstaking job, involving internal and external experts, but this is an absolute priority, however long it takes, and we are grateful for the help we have already received.”
Its collection spans six continents and two million years of history, including the Parthenon sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles - the fate of which is the subject of much discussion.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
The British Museum in London has sacked a member of staff and police are investigating after treasures were reported “missing, stolen or damaged”.
Items including gold, jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones were among those missing from the museum, one of the UK’s largest tourist attractions.
He added: “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.”
The museum’s independent review will be led by former trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi, of British Transport Police.
Sir Nigel said: “It will be a painstaking job, involving internal and external experts, but this is an absolute priority, however long it takes, and we are grateful for the help we have already received.”
Its collection spans six continents and two million years of history, including the Parthenon sculptures, also known as the Elgin Marbles - the fate of which is the subject of much discussion.
I’m a bot and I’m open source!
I’m sure the cops will return the gems to the rightful owners. /s