Louvre raiders left 150 DNA samples

Forensic analysis 'may open up leads'

- Peter Allen in Paris

BURGLARS who looted the Louvre last weekend left behind at least 150 DNA samples, including fingerprints, it was revealed yesterday.

Paris's prosecutor Laure Beccuau said she hoped the genetic evidence would lead to the capture of the gang, who stole £77million of historic jewels.

"Analysis requires time and is, of course, a priority for the laboratories," she added.

"Work in the coming days may open up leads, especially if the perpetrators are on file."

The trace samples were left on a stolen flatbed truck, crash helmet and glove abandoned by the crooks outside the art museum.