Paintings by Zrzavý and Špála stolen in armed raid in museum

Paintings by two renowned Czech 20th century artists were taken in an armed robbery at a museum in east Bohemia on Tuesday morning. Works by Jan Zrzavý and Václav Špála were stolen from the museum in Nový Bydžov near Hradec Kralové, after an armed man tied up a 68-year-old member of staff. The total value of the items taken, which also included rare books, jewels and coins, was around CZK 4 million.