The axe-wielding thieves made off with the jewels after smashing glass display cases at the world-famous hotel in the French capital, police said. Items worth "several million euros" were taken, a police source added, with robbers appearing to enter the hotel's Reza Gallery through a side entrance.

The jewels are believed to be worth €4.7m (£4.16m).

Three suspects have been detained and at least two others are on the run, the source said.