Apple Store Robbery: Armed Raid In Paris

Armed thieves have reportedly robbed Apple's Paris store of goods worth up to a million euros (£812,000).

The masked raiders struck hours after closing on New Year's Eve as police were deployed around Champs-Elysees Avenue for the celebrations.

Police would not comment on the items stolen or their value, but the French press valued the theft at up to a million euros.

A police official said Apple was still counting the cost of the raid at its flagship store in the French capital.

Christophe Crepin from the police union UNSA told reporters four masked and armed individuals forced their way into the shop and escaped in a van.

"They were well prepared," he said. "As the majority of police were busy watching the Champs Elysees (for New Year's Eve celebrations), the robbers took advantage of this opportunity."

The daily newspaper Le Parisien reported the thieves entered the store by threatening a security guard at a back entrance.