AN EIGHTEEN-CARAT solid gold toilet has been stolen following a burglary at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. 

The artwork was taken after a gang broke into the former home of Sir Winston Churchill overnight.

Thames Valley Police said the break-in happened around 04:50.

It was part of an exhibition by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan that opened on Thursday.

The toilet - entitled America - has not been found but a 66-year-old man has been arrested.

The burglary caused "significant damage and flooding" because the toilet was plumbed into the building, police said.

The 18th Century palace is a World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. It is currently closed while investigations continue.

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.

"We believe a group of offenders used at least two vehicles during the offence.

"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."

In a tweet Blenheim Palace said it would be shut until this afternoon due to "an unforeseen incident".

The gold toilet was famously offered to US President Donald Trump in 2017.

An arrested man is in custody.