British police made three arrests on Wednesday in connection with the theft of a gold toilet from an 18th century stately home.
A 35-year-old man, a 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, all from Oxford, were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit a burglary, Thames Valley Police said in a statement on Wednesday. All three suspects remain in police custody.
The fully functioning toilet, called ‘America’, is a piece of art made entirely from 18-karat gold that was installed in Blenheim Palace, England as part of an exhibition by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.
Detectives are still looking for the artwork, valued at $6 million (Dh22m), after it was stolen in the early hours of September 14.
The burglary caused “significant damage and flooding” because the toilet was plumbed into the building, police said.
The police had previously made two arrests in connection with the theft. A 66-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary before being released on bail, and a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle and was released under investigation.
Blenheim Palace, which is located in Oxfordshire, is a World Heritage Site and the birthplace of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
The property also hosts festivals and music concerts throughout the year.
