[Carruthers]

Solid gold toilet stolen from Winston Churchill's birthplace Blenheim Palace

A solid gold toilet installed in the former home of Winston Churchill has been stolen.

The 18ct toilet, reportedly worth more than £1m, is an art piece called America and is the work of Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan.

Police have confirmed the toilet has been stolen and are investigating.

The loo remains missing but a 66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the theft.

Detective Inspector Jess Milne said: "The piece of art that has been stolen is a high value toilet made out of gold that was on display at the palace.

"Due to the toilet being plumbed in to the building, this has caused significant damage and flooding.

"The artwork has not been recovered at this time but we are conducting a thorough investigation to find it and bring those responsible to justice."

Edward Spencer-Churchill, the founder of the Blenheim Art Foundation, told The Times ahead of its installation: "Despite being born with a silver spoon in my mouth I have never had a s**t on a golden toilet, so I look forward to it."

Asked about security concerns, he commented: "It's not going to be the easiest thing to nick.

"Firstly, it's plumbed in and secondly, a potential thief will have no idea who last used the toilet or what they ate."

The golden toilet was previously on display at New York's Guggenheim museum in 2016. Visitors could use it while a member of security staff stood guard outside.

It was offered to US President Donald Trump - who upon moving into the White House installed golden curtains - by the museum.

Thames Valley Police is investigating but a source close to the inquiry admitted that they have nothing to go on.

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