Forbidden City art theft embarrasses Beijing officials

Seven pieces of art have been stolen from the Palace Museum inside Beijing's former imperial palace, the Forbidden City, in the first theft for 20 years.

The stolen items - which were on loan to the museum - include a purse and women's make-up cases.

Police are reported to be looking for a 27-year-old man in connection with the theft.

The valuable items were stolen from one of China's top historical sites in the heart of Beijing.

News reports say the thief got into the complex by knocking a hole in a wall.

The stolen items date from the beginning of the last century and are said to be worth millions of dollars. Some are encrusted with precious stones....