Solid Gold Toilet Named "America" Stolen From Winston Churchill's Birthplace

A solid gold toilet believed to be worth over $6 million was stolen from Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of former U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill, in Oxfordshire, England, on Saturday morning.

The fully functioning toilet which was made by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan was part of an exhibition which opened on Thursday, wherein people were invited to use the toilet made out of 18-carat gold. The toilet was stolen within two days of being installed.

Cattelan, who is known for playing pranks, denied claims that he orchestrated the theft of the toilet named “America.” He was present at the reception held at the palace on Friday, marking his first U.K. solo exhibition in twenty years.

“Who’s so stupid to steal a toilet? America was the 1% for the 99%, and I hope it still is. I want to be positive and think the robbery is a kind of Robin Hood-inspired action,” Catellan told New York Times.

The toilet’s theft was reported at 4:57 a.m. on Saturday to the Thomas Valley police. The thieves broke in overnight, stole the toilet and left the scene of crime by 4:50 a.m. The group of offenders used atleast two vehicles, police said. Significant ddamage and flooding was caused as the toilet was plumbed into the building.

The palace remained closed to visitors for the rest of Saturday.

According to a statement released by the police, search is being conducted for the artwork which has still not been recovered.

"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," Detective Inspector Jess Milne said in the statement.

Police have arrested a 66 year old man in connection with the offense.

An official statement issued by the Blenheim Palace on Twitter said that they were saddened by the theft.

“Following the Thames Valley Police statement we can confirm ‘America’, the art piece by Maurizio Cattelan has been stolen in the early hours of this morning.

We are saddened by this extraordinary event, but also relieved no-one was hurt.”