POLICE have released CCTV images as part of a fresh bid to track down a £5million golden toilet that was ripped from a floor in Blenheim Palace, where it was installed as part of an exhibition. 

New pictures released by police show one of two stolen cars that was thought to have been used in the heist, with a fake number plate on.

The incident happened in the early hours of September 14.

Five people forced their way into the palace in Woodstock through the front gates and drove onto the courtyard.

Blenheim Palace's insurers are now offering a £100,000 reward for the toilet's safe return

Three of them, dressed in dark clothes and wearing balaclavas, got out of the cars – leaving two drivers at the wheel.

They made their way inside and found the toilet, which was part of the Maurizio Cattelan exhibition that had opened only two days earlier.

The squad of burglars then ripped the fully-functioning artwork out of the ground – leaving behind 'significant' damage.

They carried the 18-carat loo out of the palace before loading it into the boot of one of the cars and making a dash for freedom at around 4.50am.

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Thames Valley Police rushed to the scene and the palace was closed to visitors for the remainder of the day.

Nearly one month on and Thames Valley Police have still not found the golden toilet, but say there is a 'substantial reward' up for grabs in exchange for its safe return.

The force is also hunting for one of the cars that was used to pull off the stunt – a dark blue VW.

Both the cars used were stolen, and it is thought the criminals had made cloned '66' reg plates. 

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At the time, a 66-year-old man from Evesham was arrested on suspicion of burglary, and after police extended questioning time he was released on bail until October 9.

Days later, a 35-year-old man from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and has been released under investigation.

Police want anyone with information about the toilet, the car or the thieves to get in touch.

Investigating officer, detective inspector Steven Jones, said: “We are releasing CCTV images of this vehicle, which we believe was used during the burglary.

“The vehicle, a navy blue Volkswagen Golf R, remains outstanding, and I am appealing to anyone who recognises it, or may have seen it in or around Woodstock near the time of the incident. It is believed that it was displaying cloned plates.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who was in Woodstock at the time of the burglary that may recognise this vehicle to get in touch with police. Also, I would appeal to motorists with dash-cam footage in the area to review it and check if their camera has captured anything significant, or this vehicle itself.

“The stolen artwork has not been recovered, but officers are working to retrieve it. Anyone who has any information regarding its whereabouts is asked to get in touch with police. We have been made aware that a substantial reward being offered by the insurers for the safe return of the property subject to specific conditions."