French police have arrested two suspects over the daring theft of crown jewels from the Louvre Museum, just days after four thieves used power tools to break in during daylight.

One suspect was detained at Charles de Gaulle Airport while preparing to fly to Algeria, and the other was due to travel to Mali. 

DNA evidence reportedly helped identify one of the men.

The gang made off with items worth €88 million (£76 million; $102 million), including a tiara once worn by Empress Eugenie and the Marie-Louise necklace. 

They were inside the museum for just four minutes and escaped on scooters.

Authorities have admitted security failures, with CCTV coverage described as “weak and ageing”. 

Some stolen items may already have been broken up, complicating recovery.

In response, the Louvre has moved its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France, where they are now stored 26 metres underground in the institution’s most secure vault.