BLENHEIM Palace have now released an official statement about the 'extraordinary' burglary that happened this morning.

Palace officials say they were 'relieved' no-one was hurt, but 'saddened' the 'precious' loo has been stolen.

Pleading with followers, the palace took to Twitter to urge anybody with information that could 'secure' the safe return of the 18-carat toilet.

Thames Valley Police were called to the palace in Woodstock at just before 5am this morning after a gold toilet was ripped out of the floor by thieves.

The toilet, believed to be worth at least £1m, was plumbed into the floor - which meant the damage was 'significant'.

Having closed its doors for the entire day, the palace shared a statement on Twitter: "Following Thames Valley Police statement we can confirm 'America', the art piece by Maurizio Cattelan has been stolen in the early hours of this morning.

"We are saddened by this extraordinary event, but also relieved no-one was hurt.

"We are very grateful to our staff and to Thames Valley Police for their rapid and brave reactions. We knew there was a huge interest in the Maurizio Cattelan contemporary art exhibition with many set to come and enjoy the installations.

"It's therefore with a great shame an item so previous has been taken, but we still have so many fascinating treasures in the Palace and the remaining items of the exhibition to share.

"The investigation continues, but it will be business as usual from tomorrow, so visitors can continue to come and experience all we have to offer."

The team ended the statement urging those who can help bring back the toilet’s 'secure return' to contact the force.

Dominic Hare, chief executive officer of Blenheim Palace, told the BBC the toilet is valued at about six million dollars and was a 'very precious piece.'

When asked if the artist had been contacted, he said: "There were some slightly nervous calls at 6am but we have spoken to the artist and Lord Edward at the art foundation, and many of the trustees, and they have been magnificent in their support."

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Mr Hare added: "We have a sophisticated security set-up here and we have had no loss of this kind in living memory, which probably reflects the quality of that operation."

He was also asked whether a party, which took place at the palace on Friday night, could have created an opportunity for the theft.

In response, he said: "We have been asked not to comment on the investigation. But there was a clear time separation between those things."