Manhunt continues after Paris Ritz heist

By Hajer M'tiri

PARIS (AA) - Police on Thursday continued a manhunt for at least two thieves involved in robbing jewels from a Paris Ritz Hotel Wednesday evening.

The stolen merchandise is worth at least 4.5 million euros ($5.4 million), according to French media.

A masked group armed with axes, sledgehammers and guns had stormed the landmark Ritz hotel in the chic Place Vendome in central Paris. Police detained three people shortly after the incident.

A police official said one of the perpetrators had dropped a bag with jewels and hatchets when his motorcycle hit a pedestrian during his escape.

This is the latest in a string of high-profile heists in the French capital.

Place Vendome, where luxurious jewelers and high-end watchmakers display their multi millions worth goods, is also home to the French Justice Ministry; it has been the scene of several dramatic daytime robberies.