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A 18-carat solid gold toilet has been stolen in a burglary overnight at Blenheim Palace.

A gang broke into the Oxfordshire palace at about 04:50 BST and stole the artwork, Thames Valley Police said.

The working toilet - entitled America - which visitors had been invited to use has not been found but a 66-year-old man has been arrested.

The burglary caused "significant damage and flooding" because the toilet was plumbed into the building, police said.

It was part of an exhibition by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan that opened on Thursday.

The 18th Century stately home is a World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. It is currently closed while investigations continue.

Speaking to the Times last month, Edward Spencer-Churchill - half-brother of the current Duke of Marlborough - said he was relaxed about security for the artwork.

"It's not going to be the easiest thing to nick," he added

Visitors to the exhibition were free to use the palace's throne for its intended purpose, with a three-minute time limit to avoid queues.

Det Insp 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.

"We believe a group of 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."

In a tweet Blenheim Palace said it would be shut until at least 14:00 BST due to "an unforeseen incident".

The gold toilet was famously offered to US President Donald Trump in 2017.

No-one was injured during the break-in, and the arrested man is in police custody.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...shire-49700620