The police are looking for four suspects in a robbery at the TEFAF art fair in Maastricht on Tuesday morning, possibly armed. The police reports to NU.nl that several units are looking for the suspects, two people have now been arrested. The stock market was evicted shortly after the robbery.
According to newspaper The Limburger the robbery took place at jeweler Symbolic & Chase, which presents a collection at the fair.
TEFAF confirms to NU.nl that there were no injuries and that the stock market has been temporarily evacuated. It is not yet clear whether anything was stolen. The report about a robbery at the international art fair reached the emergency services around 11.40 am.
Rijkswaterstaat reports that a police action is underway on the A2, near the Koning Willem-Alexandertunnel in Maastricht, as a result of which the road to the south is closed. According to The Limburger a gray car was stopped there by four police cars. The police confirms two arrests and says that he is “working with all available expertise”.
“TEFAF has strict security procedures in place,” a spokesperson said. “That is why the fair has been temporarily evacuated. The evacuated participants and visitors have now been allowed to return to the fair. TEFAF and MECC are working closely with the authorities. We are not making any further announcements at this time.”
Images of the robbery
A video shared via social media shows footage of the robbery. It shows that the robbers smash the display case with a hammer. The men wear caps on their heads and gloves.
The TEFAF, The European Fine Art Foundation, will take place this year from 25 to 30 June in Maastricht.