Armed men hit Stockholm auctioneers

The Bukowski auction house in central Stockholm was raided on Thursday lunchtime with the thieves reported to have made off with 12 million kronor ($1.5 million) in looted jewellery.

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Stockholm police confirmed that no one had been hurt in the attack which occurred while Bukowski's was holding viewings for its upcoming spring auction.

"Three armed men go into the auction house with firearms. They come out after a short while and run into a parked car and flee in it. When we come into contact with the staff, we are informed that no one has been physically harmed," said Bjorn Engstrom at the Stockholm police.

Bukowski's is currently holding its showings before its classic spring auction which will run from June 1st-4th. Among the items of jewellery set to go under the hammer on June 2nd are several expensive items, all with reserve prices in excess of 70,000 kronor.

The police located the getaway car on Klara Östra Kyrkogatan, just a few blocks from Arsenalsgatan, and are currently searching for witnesses to determine how the men continued their journey from there.

Among the precious items include a ring with an emerald-cut 5.29 carat diamond, as well as two diamonds set in white gold with a reserve price of between 750,000-800,000 kronor, in a total haul reported to be worth around 12 million kronor.

"A showing was being conducted when the robbery occurred. They took jewellery with a reserve price of 12 million kronor," said Charlotte Bergstrom, CIO at Bukowski's, to the Aftonbladet daily.

An emergency services physician is currently stationed outside the auction house and he has been able to speak to staff members and ascertain that no physical injuries were sustained in the attack.

"But many are upset and shocked. They tell some varying stories that are not always consistent, this is probably due to the shock," the physician told the TT news agency reported at the scene.

Around 20 people were present in the show room at the time including staff members and visitors.

Under the conditions of sale, detailed in the Bukowski catalogue, all submitted items are insured to a maximum value corresponding to the reserve price.